The SetList Program allows you to search through the Grateful Dead's setlists for shows between 1965 and 1995. It also allows users to comment-on and share their experiences for each show. Find a show you've attended, and leave some comments for other users!

IN MY OPINION 77 WAS IT FOR THE DEAD MUSIC WISE.THE JAM ON NOT FADE AWAY IS INSANE ON THIS SHOW AND CAN BE HEARD THROUGH OUT THAT TOUR, DAMN WHAT A KILLER SHOW.....-

A killer disco Dancin' to close the first set . . . a second set opening Scarlet-->Fire that will make you forget about 30 minutes of your life, and a Morning Dew closer that will send chills down your spine!! One of the best shows I have in my collection!!-

Phil is goin' nutz in the show,this my personal favorite bootleg....-

I have loved this show for a long time, musically. I can understand how this might not have been a great show to actually be at, because you can here them, at the beginning of the second set, asking everyone to move back. Perhaps it was too crowded, and even a little freaky. Musically, though, this recording can't be beat.-

Hey, I thought this is one of best Dead shows I have ever heard. With me being only 15 I never saw live show but I have all the videos an have around 160 bootlegs. And cornell is my second favoruite besides the Alpine Valley show in '89 that is on the video Downhill From Here. Cornell was such an awesome show.-

Great show...Phil goes nuts on Scarlet....I recomend a good set of headphones and your favorite relaxation aid!-

This music can take you places, no matter what state of mind you're in...Donna Jean is an angel; Jerry is your best friend - 5-8-77 can get you through anything!-

What the f man??? Jerry is ripping the shit out of his gibson on the St. Stephen > NFA > St. Stephen > Dew. I wouldn't say its the best complete show but I would say, without a doubt, that it is the best 2nd set ever. So anyway, you start listening to stephen and you're like "yeah, i dig it" and then out of nowhere, the m'f'er is jamming some sweet notes for about 15 minutes...UNBELIEVABLE. Also, when the DEW comes up, its such a shift in mood that you can't help but feel a chill. Beautiful. -

THE WHOLE MONTH OF MAY 77 IS THE BEST LINE-UP OF LIVE DEAD YOU'LL EVER HERE, THE SCARLET FIRES WERE SICK!!! I'VE NEVER HEARD A SHOW LIKE THIS. THEY ARE TRULY ONE OF THE MOST TALENTED AMERICAN BANDS EVER!!!! JERRY IS GOD, THE DEAD IS HEAVEN!!! PEACE-

***5/8/77 is an exellent show, the singing was good, the music was tight, but I find it rather uninspired in spots, Not Fade Away seems to drag on and on, I've never been a fan of Disco, so Dancin' doesn't impress me, Saint Stephen, although an awesome song, was much better in the late 60s... Saturday Night, is a rocker, at it's best, but Scarlett Fire lacks imagination, in Keith's department, at least, all and all, I hive it 3 stars out of five-

Neil, you are out of your mind. That tape kicks ass, the best Dew ever (and listen to Keith kick it up a notch at the end), great Scarlet/Fire and the NFA explodes (although Jerry's long solo does get a little self indulgent) Also, the 1st set Loser and Jack Straw are great. -

Dave and Neal, what is wrong with you guys? Its a jam band. If you were muscians, you would understand that when you get into something, you just pour your heart out into it (as Jerry proves in the NFA jam). I agree that when I first heard 5-8-77 i thought the st. stephen was terrible, cause my ears only heard the 60's one. But one day, I was baked and I had a long drive and I threw in Cornell. Still can't believe what a great st>NFA>st>dew. To each its own...NY eve '01-'02 baby WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOA.-

smooth,perfect,jewel,flawless-absolutley flawless,the gods were on their side that night.best show of all time, w/7-13-84 greek theatre.-

Was a freshman at Cornell - never finished - go figure. What a mind opening experience for a nerdy engineering student!-

Scarlet-->Fire is absolutely amazing...transition to Fire just blows your mind...This show is a perfect example of what the human mind is capable of...-

Without a doubt one of the finest shows ever performed. The loser and jack straw are HOT! and Jerry wailed on every song like he was so good at doing. His guitar really sang for this one. Scarlet-Fire and Dancin Jam are incredible. If I were to write out every hot song, I would just have to copy and paste the entire setlist. A++-Anonymous

Overrated show but for good reason. What a packed show. 70s shows just drip musically. I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Lazy Lightning - Supplication, and Phil's pounding during Dancing. Only seen 90s shows I wish I was there for this one. Some day when my time machine is built.-

If anyone you know doubts the Dead, just give them a couple of beers or a J and INSIST that they listen for the first set through Scarlet>Fire. The finest bootleg out there, no question.-

Honestly, this iso ne of the finest shows ever performed. The setlist, the performance....Jerry's musical decomposing in NFA--> St. Stephen...all too unbeliveable. What a year 77 was.-

i've heard a pitifully little amount of the Dead's Vault, and only the 2nd set of this show, but i can't believe how it can't be the best one ever. it sounds like if it was released comercially it could sell as many copies as Saturday Night Fever, or Thriller-

Quite an amazing Jack Straw and TLEO-Jeff

Neil, were you smoking crack when you wrote that comment??-Anonymous

Neil, were you smoking crack when you wrote that comment??-Anonymous

YO this show is great but not the best... the 76 run at the beacon surpassed it. Sick st stpehen and dancin in the streets, with a twisted fire on the mtn.-Anonymous

It seems to be kind of fashionable these days to call this show, along with 8-27-72, over rated, but I find it fascinating that it seems to warrant the most discussion anyway. Here's the deal: This show is it. I listened to a lot of Dead before I even heard of this show. When I heard this show for the first time, I heard the Dead again for the first time. Listen to it. It sounds different then any other bootleg I've heard. The music is alive on that reel, it has to be. I read pretty much every post before I wrote this one, and some of the criticism of the show is valid, but frankly this Scarlett> Fire is the apex, IMHO. Phil's base line with the guitars playing at the beginning of Scarlett absolutely grabs you and from there, the band will not will not let you go. The trasition to Fire is the smoothest EVER. Don't even try. The Fire solo is zen in its simplicity, I have NEVER heard a Jerry solo so concise and dynamic. Estimated: Do me a favor and tell me what show Donna and Jerry sounded so beautiful together as in Estimated, just two short lines "fire wheel turning in the air" .... "way up the middle of the air"...shiversThe band is on another level this night.Several songs are the best I ever heard. Loser and the guitar fills. Dancin, disco schmisco,...this song rocks. The last thing I'm thinking of listening to this is disco. There ain't another better. Pembroke Pines 77? No. Springfield 78? No.

I read some stuff that Dick said he'd take the shows the night before and the night after over this one. Well, as far as Dicks taste in the band he archived, can't say me and him always jived. Not that I don't love those shows, hey Boston Garden - Music Never Stopped? That one is a discussion ender.

Favorite year, still a toss up bewteen 73 and 77. But this Scarlett> Fire and the Shakedown>Uncle Johns encore from 12-26-79 get me more jazzed then any other single song or song combo the Dead ever did that I've heard so far.

-JoeHead

UP there on best second sets.. Clearly, I think, 6/9/77 is the best second set ever, with the unreal help-->slip-->franklin's. The row jimmy is sweet on cornell with a nasty wah wahed dancin. Scralet->Fire is nuts and the morning dew is phat. St Stephen was alright but too little guitar work. -nick

I really like the second set - especially the jam following Estimated Prophet.-Chad

i recently downloaded the 3rd set of this concert. i would like not only to download and/or aquire set(s) 1and 2. only thing is that i can't find the setlist for the 3rd set. can anyone help a fellow dead'er out? please email me @ jibbser@hotmail.com. thanks a bunch-

I can feel like I need to wheigh in here. This is my favorite show as well. Other shows had beter jams. Other shows had more "rockin" moments. Other shows had more interesting set lists. What this show has is "energy". Anyone who "got" the dead knows that what made them special was the mystical energy that their playing produced. I have never heard a show that had more of this energy. This show just drips with electric fluid energy. I love it!-

Good show, but c'mon. Jerry is obviously struggling during the Scarlet Begonias solo. Tight, good energy, but hardly the show of shows. My nominees for other Great Shows: 5-26-77 and 4-12-78Check em out.-Anonymous

bit my penis?-Anonymous

Best mid-era grateful dead concert.All the songs are well played,lots of jamming,one of the best they love each other,and row jimmy.And they couldnt have ended it any better,with st stephen and onw of the best dews ever.Listen to all 3 sets often.Jerrys solos are not self-indulgent,lets see anybody here play like that!!6-9-77 winterland is another good one too i agree-

Dave.... Jerry's NFA solo a 'little self indulgent'? I dont think so. Think of I Need a Miracle, "too much of everything is just enough" Just my humble opinion...

-if you get confused listen to the music play--

The concerts the dead had, in spring 77 produced some of the best scarlet into fires, the only way i can put into words, of this concerts is "magical." The last 3 minutes of morning dew are simply amazing, probably the best morning dew around. Just quite an amazing concert.-

The best scarlet-fire transition i have ever heard. This show got me addicted to scarlet-fires, and i have sought out every one i can get my hands on and listened intently. This is my fav, by far. Jerry's improv into fire is so unbelievable, i cant even fathom imagination he had. whew, i LOVE IT!!!-Dave

Like the Veneta show, a lotta people like to call this one "overrated". This show may have been oversaturated in the collecting stream (Hell, I got this show early on due to it's easy accesability and couldn't help but to hear it played hundreds of times), but I think it is regardless deserving of the hype it has received in past years. Some people like to point out the Dew and the Scarlett/Fire. I say, check out Dancin'.-Wahoo-Wahoo

The best mix I ever heard. also one of my favorite Scarlet/Fire-

The best Morning Dew I ever Heard!!-

An incredible show, from start to finish, and one I have to have when I go for a long ride. There are so many points in it when Jerry just makes you smile and thank him for ever being a part of this old crazy world. My particular favorite parts are the Row Jimmy, the last two minutes of Fire, Deal, and of course the last four or five minutes of Dew. That crashing drum sound at the end just brings the whole thing to a beautiful finish. The only show I've heard I enjoy more is the second set of Binghampton later in the year, Nov. 6. Wharf Rat is amazing. -

I agree with a lot of you dead fans that this was a pinnacle show for the dead. But we had a many different points where we were playing spectacularly throughout our whole 30 years of touring together. But overall, I thought this was a ass-kicking show. - Phil Lesh-Phil Lesh

Best Dancin' IMO-Huckelbury Poo

Definiely one of the best shows ever, the Jack Straw solos make my spine tingle. Unbeleivable from start to finish-Anonymous

The "Scarlett Fire lacks imagination," Neal? Get with it kid, because you're obviously not listening! The Scarlet->Fire from Cornell '77 is arguable the sickest, smoothest, and most seamless transition from one song to the next the Dead ever perpetrated on stage. It's easily the best Scarlet->Fire EVER...PERIOD. Have a listen to it again and this time, PAY ATTENTION. If you still feel the same way, have your ears checked!-

I heard it never happened the way it is told today. Snyone know waht im talking about-puzzled

This show was the last dead show I attended. I had pretty much moved on to reggae at that time, which was just a short stop on the road to being an opera junkie. Frankly, I don't remember much. You know how that is.

It's nice to come back after all these years and hear it again.-comin back to the dead

Yeah I agree with my buddy Phil, this show kicks major ass. I must admit, I was on fire this night. My favorite version of scarlet - fire. Jerry-Jerry Garcia

get it:

http://www.archive.org/audio/etree-details-db.php?id=12278-

Neil, the scarlet>fire lacks imagination?!? Are you permanently twisted? This version remind me more of a thirty foot long silk scarf. seamless, flowing, inspired. I am seriously dumbfounded when people don't give this Scarlet>fire top marks. -

The first time I heard this show which was one of the first bootlegs I had ever heard, I thought and still think today, best year, second set, scarlet/fire, Ive ever heard PERIOD. I wish they would put it out as a dicks picks. If you don't like this show , well go to the Dr's and get your head checked-

Grossly overrated!-Poo Face

Someone mentioned Jerry's Gibson - he was playing the Travis Bean this night (as for all of the first half of '77 - "The Enemy is Listening"). A better first set can e heard the night before at Boston Garden; however, the St. Stephen>NFA>St. Stephen>Dew is something to behold.

I'll take the 04/23/77 Scarlet>Fire over this one though.

Greatest show? Who the fuck knows, some days it is....other days, I'll take a jazzy '73, a rippin' '74, or exploratory '72.

May '77, and the year for that matter, was perhaps the most consistent though. Love that smooth, smooth, smooth, sound.-Donna Jean

The Good News:

I wuz there.

The Bad News:

Don't remember much.

But the tapes bring it all back. :)-

What can you say about May 1977 shows? 5/4, 5/5, 5/7, 5/8 & 5/9 etc. How can anyone argue with the quality of Help/Slip/Franklin, St. Stephen, Truckin, Scarlet/Fire, NFA, etc. The tapes speak for themsleves. They rank up there with the 1971 - 1974 runs. I would trade all of the shows I saw in the 1980's to see either 5/8 or 5/9/77 - especially in a 5,000 seat hockey arena with a sound system that did not leave Phil inaudible. -

That is a phenominal Scarlet/Fire. Best I've ever heard!!!!!!!!!-stp

BEST ESTIMATED PROPHET EVER, Phil ripped it up.-DAN the nitrous man

OVER RATED!!!!!!!!OVER RATED!!!!!!!!!!

yeah this show is good, perhaps great but Donna's not all that, and the saint stephens are not as powerful in the late 70's. great setlist and energy though. but not the best show ever, by far.1985 jerry was on it. not just his music but dope. that's one of the best years, along with 74. not 1977. -

ok... this show is incredible.

is there even such a thing as their "best show ever?" i personally don't think so, but if you must have a top dog, i'd have to think that this one would deserve some serious consideration. it's just beautiful. to me, the music is great, solid, well played, imaginative, etc., but what really sells it are the drums and the vocals. i mean, how many great jerry jams have you heard, only to hear his screw up the vocals 30 secs later? this one is virtually pitch-perfect-Blue Bear

5-8-1977.....well, let me just start by saying that, while i wouldn't go so far as to say there are uninspired moments here, i would say that this show is extremely mellow in spots...but it seems to be an even balance because when they turn it up, they f'n' turn it up....as for "best show" ever status??? impossible to call...i'm still partial to 5-9, whose "music never...", by the way, DE-FRIGGIN-STROYS 5-7, hands down...there are a bunch of best ever versions of individual songs on 5-8 but, as a whole, this show is, was, and always will be overrated....but that's what makes this band so unbelievable; 10 years (longer really) after the band's demise, tool's like us sit on the net and debate about this shit...ya gotta love it....ps RIP HUNTER S -

What the hell, I've got nothin' better to do.-stp

I think the most underrated part of this show is the Lazy Lightning, and the solo in Brown Eyed Women in the first set. Best BEW ever.-

lazy light>sup is not the greatest here, ny fav still is orpheum 7/18/76 into let it grow. my favorite minglewood ( "hi!") my favorite loser, close to favorite BEW, fav row jimmy, fav dancin.scarlett>fire is best dead ever. estimated, st>nfa>st, dew as good as any ever.all that equals best show ever.not the best set list, not the longest songs, jerry sings like one verse of fire -- but the scarlett>fire transition is as good as anything i have heard ANY band do.-joehead

not the best show ever, but it produced the best loser, scarlet-> fire, and the second best dew-Anonymous

bitchin...-Anonymous

May 77 is just where it is at my brothers and sisters. Row Jimmy is the very best i have ever heard. the second set is just unreal. i just love the Grateful Dead. not since or will there ever be another band like the Grateful Dead. ;^)-Ga-DeadHead

...That Dancin in the streets is by far the best version ever played. (well besides some of the vocals) Jerry's Scarlet brings tears to my eyes every time. But nothing beats that "Dancin jam".-

one word amazingscarlet-fire one of the best-Anonymous

the beginning of fire isnt so good then it just explodes into something amazing-Anonymous

You gotta love Terrapin Station from this show. It is just a solid version of that song. I especially love it when Weir helps Jerry along during some of the lyrics, because Jerry is dosing really hard.-

Absolutely the best concert I have ever heard. If I had to listen to one version of one song for the rest of my life, it would be the Morning Dew from the second set. That song is performed to absolute perfection. I can't even put into words how ridiculous the performance is, you simply must listen to it for yourself. Jackstraw, Brown Eyed Women, Row Jimmy, Scarlet, and Fire are particularly sick. -

Not bad, the good old boys had it going tonight. You know, my album garage days revisited was inspired off this show, and it really shows. It's a cracker. Who here fucking loves Hell in a Bucket, simply amazing. That is a good song and Jerry knows it. Godspeed to you all, and come out to my next concert.-

howdy!?are you a musician?it doesn't matter.suck garcia's dick.he did this for years with several different bands.my fellow earthlings,it be impossible to find the greatest version ever,as there are so many,you haven't heard them all.no,you haven't.i love fucking hippie chicks.not near the best ever.get some clean acid.not saying it isn't amazing.deadheads might be naive,cause they surprised from 65 to 95.get your head dead,not mentally.enjoy mental orgasms.amazing shows each year.mr. taw-a mycologist.-mr. taw

I think this show is primo, definitely top 5. I am slightly more partial to the Swing Auditorium show 2-26-77 tho, but I understand wy people call this the best-

i agree with everybody... best Jimmy of all time..2 set is ALIVE and jumps off the reel.i love the Grateful Dead. since 92 i have not let THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED for me. I WAS BORN IN THE WRONG GENERATION.

(WARNING)(WARNING)(WARNING)(WARNING)

***The Grateful Dead is addictive***-Ga-DeadHead

I have an explanation as to why this show is so good. The drugs the band used were Valium, not the Persian, not pot, not LSD, but valium.

This is kind of a downer show and the reason is their nerve endings are not firing as fast as they should.

Every single one of them is using valium!!!

Long live Britney Spears!-Tim

I think the best Scarlet/Fire Transition is 32-28-85 at Nassau-Fred the Head

P Diddy. What the hell are you talking about.-

There's been a lot of talk lately about the legendary fake show on 5/8/77. I've kept my silence on the subject for 22 years ... now it's finally time to come clean on the whole subject.

The whole idea began back in late 1969/early 1970. The Department of Defense and the CIA were very disappointed by the way the Vietnam War was progressing. Not only were we losing but, more importantly, the US public did not approve of the war and, worse yet, weren't believing everything the military said about what was happening. This was an unprecedented event. Every other recent war was viewed positively by the public ... or at least with apathy in the case of Korea. Something had to be done. They decided to take a page from the Soviets and experiment with mind control. Together with Disney and a fledgling computer company called Microsoft, they set out to prove that brainwashing could really work on the very people who opposedthem: the hippies.

It isn't widely known but Cornell was actually the second test of these mind control procedures. The first occurred in mid-1975 and was a dismal failure. 2 major mistakes were made. First, they picked the one time that the Dead were not touring. This created all sorts of problems with the subject audience. The more serious mistake was in not updating the criteria of the experiment. Due to typical government inefficiency, they used the 1969 version of the Dead that was playing when the program was conceived. The sudden appearance of Pigpen, who had died 2 years earlier, literally blew the minds of those in attendance. 6 months were spent erasing all traces of the "show" and carefully rebuilding as much of their minds as possible. Thesubjects were eventually released and most of them became evangelists, their only lingering memory of the whole experiment being an unshakeable belief that they'd witnessed a true miracle.

Unfortunately, no tapes have been found from this first experiment. That's a real shame because the version of Dark Star->St Stephen->Eleven->Lovelight used was supposedly the best ever. After a few drinks, the original scientists still speak in awe about the music heard that day.

By Nov 1977, everyone was ready for the second test. This time, they learned from their mistakes. A small group of college students were hired to attend shows from 1976 through 1977. Our job was to collect tapes of the Dead's performances, select which tunes to use, and tohelp identify subjects for the upcoming experiment. The location and date were chosen with equal care. It was a off-day during the tour and the location close enough to the real concerts to be believed. Of moreimportance was the late snowfall that day. That unusual and easily confirmed event provided the glue that would hold the implanted memories together. Even now 22 years later, people "remembering" that concert use almost identical words to describe leaving the show.

Overall, the experiment was a great success. Of course, some people were given slightly different memories. Some, like Teddy Goodbear, "remember" taping the show and were even provided "Audience" tapes to further cement the hoax. Still others remember getting "horribly smashed" up front. None of this actually occurred.

A week after the "concert" experiment, a 2nd test was done on the town of Cornell itself. In order to perfect this hoax, the town itself must also be convinced that the concert took place. Disney had acquired owner- ship of all the local TV and radio stations through dummy corporations. Using special chips developed by Microsoft, they played sublimbminal messages to every man, woman and child in a 100 mile radius of Barton Hall. For the most part, this programming still holds today although some people did prove resistant to the message.

As far as the source of the music, for the most part the list posted by "brew ziggins" is correct. The only mystery remaining is the Scarlet-> Fire. That was actually performed by the Dead specifically for this experiment. Since Jerry worked for the CIA, it was easy to convince him and the rest of the band to go along. Plus he liked the idea of "pranking" a large group of people like this. The fabled 2/6/77 "take a step back" rehearsal tape is also from material taped for these experiments.

The soundboard tapes in circulation were leaked by Betty O'Connell whoedited the original tapes. I don't know if it was just a coincidence or not, but they were leaked at about the same time as the tapes recorded by Betty Cantor were found. In any event, they became part of the so-called "Betty Boards". Leaking these tapes also provided the first cracks in the hoax to appear since the tapes were distributed to people who were not in the experiment and who knew that no show was performed that day. It was necessary to obtain their silence through blackmail, bribery and in extreme cases, mind control itself. That's also how this "show" came to be listed in all the popular Dead show guides like DeadBase.

So what's happened to these mind control techniques used in this experiment? Microsoft has used this power to become one of the biggest, most influential companies in history. They sure didn't become that big by providing quality products. It was used to shape public reaction to the Gulf War. It's also clear that George Bush never understood the full power of these methods. . There are also indications that this technology might explain the otherwise unbelievable popularity of rap music.

[this is something I sent to David Gans after he announced that hewould be playing excerpts from this "show" on the Grateful Dead Hour.Given the, ah, wide range of opinions elicited by this show, I figuredthis would come in handy.]

Everybody on the planet already[ ] knows that show is completely overrated.[ ] has a copy.[ ] is waiting to buy this show as a Dick's Pick.[ ] owns the bootleg.[ ] has figured out that the show never even happened.

In the future, please refrain from playing:[ ] Any show that we've already heard before.[ ] Any show that is in any way "overrated".[ ] Any show that is not a "classic".[ ] Any show that is not from 1973.[ ] Any show that didn't actually happen.

LaROUCHE: He was pro-Nazi.(Carl Jung) He was an occultist, satanic cultism.I don't know if he went as far as (Aleister) Crowley did in identifyingSatan, but it was the same structure. Allen Dulles(C.I.A. director) was veryclose to this crowd personally. As to what was going on in Allen's mind atthis time I don't fully know. But then you get the MK-ULTRA operation.

60 Greatest Conspiracies: The mind control operation?

LaROUCHE: That was an Allen Dulles period operation which was run togetherwith the occult types in British intelligence, such as Aldous Huxley. Andalso Gregory Bateson who created, for example, the Grateful Dead out of anMK-ULTRA operation at the Palo Alto Veteran's Hospital where he wassupervising. The first United States-grown rock group of that type, theGrateful Dead, was generated as a British intelligence operation by theOccult Bureau of Huxley and bateson out of the Palo Alto Veteran's Hospitalwhere they were doing LSD and related experiments.

60 Greatest Conspiracies: Why would British intelligence want to put out arock roup?

LaROUCHE: Well, this is part of the Satanism business. Call it thecounterculture. Call it the Dionysius model of the counterculture. Rock isessentially a revival of the ancient Dionysic, Bacchic rituals. Lots ofpeople or long periods of time in that kind of particular rhythmic ritualwhich was probably struck upon empirically many thousands of years ago forthis type of cult. It does have a relationship to the Alpha rhythms of thebrain. It does produce these sorts of states. If combined with a littlealcohol and more, shall we say, mood shaping substances, with youth, withfunny sex, this does produce a profound change of a countercultural type.

Another word for it: New Age. the longer term: age of Aquarius. People wereexperimenting with various utopian models, constructing small groupsexperimentally which were considered New Age types. How to createexperimental types that might survive the aftermath of a general nuclearwar.

60 Greatest Conspiracies: Was this whole trend continued after Dulles'departure?

LaROUCHE: He was not the controlling factor. I wouldn't make him the evilblack widow spider. He was part of it. The operation goes way back. But inthe United States this particular operation goes to about 1938. The Naziswere operating in the 1930s out of Hollywood and elsewhere with an occultastrology racket kind of intelligence operation.

At that point the Huxley operation out there which is already established,the marijuana operation and so forth in the 1930s, was already hooked up.1963 I would say was a watershed year for explosion of this thing, aroundthe LSD, Beatles proliferation. And then you have another one in recentyears where explicit Satanism has really exploded.-

Merl or no on scar/fire? all keith?-

One thing that sets this night apart from other great shows during this era is that Jerry's 2nd set guitar work is truly inspired. His playing is free-flowing and he comes up with one amazing riff after another and this serves to raise the entire band another notch. This is best heard on the Scarlet > Fire and Stephen > NFA > Stephen jams and transitions. I wonder if something out of the ordinary happened backstage during the set break because Jerry comes out for the 2nd set on a higher plane.-McGanahan Skejellyfetti

Clarson, what the fuck was that? You are wasting valuable database space with that nonsense. For Christ's sake, which is me, for the love of God (my dad) and all other living things, don't do that again.

I wish I could send a bolt of lightning your way. That was a fucking waste of time.-Jesus Christ

Very little database space was wasted with that post. Nonetheless, it was a complete waste of time and I wish I could time my bolt of lighting with yours.-Steve

I, and my brother, were at this show, taped this show and can testify that it was one shining moment in the Dead's touring life, our listening life and the pursuit of the apex. It is/was/will always be one of the top shows/nights/experiences - ever. Sorry you missed it, but the recording(s) speak out, just listen to the music play.-

Was that an excercise in Creative Writing or what? I tip my hat to you...I almost believed you. I find it funny and not to be taken too seriously.-Squeaker

the most emotional and perhaps finest dew imho,although Oct '89 Hampton warlocks is a close 2nd-prm

What else can be said about the show that all others are compared to? Great lengthy first set capped by one of the best Dancin's, and the second set is out of this world. Jerry is channeling the heavens in the last few minutes of Fire, and on the St. Stephen>NFA>Stephen>Dew sequence, culminating in a peak on Dew that I still can't believe actually happened.-Mike

I have to side with 5 star lovers of this show. it's true that st stephen was better earlier, but i think the scarlet/fire really grooves - that and estimated and brown eyed women make up for it.-granular_serene (03/30/2007)

An awesome show and when it was over I left Barton Hall and walk onto eigth inches of Snow! -
(05/05/2007)

Since the first time I heard this show, it's never failed to captivate me, and eventually, leave me in awe. I love the first set, especially "Row Jimmy" which is just splendid, but the second set is simply transcendent. Great "Scarlet/Fire" to open things, one of the all-time best "St. Stephen" performances, and the "Morning Dew" is probably my personal favorite of all the GD performances I've heard. It just builds beautifully and the crescendo is simply remarkable. I've listened to this show more than any other show I have, and continue to love it every time. -
(06/02/2007)

My first dead show! I remember the snowstorm, so I assumed it was in winter, not May. Wunderground.com says it was 27f for a low that day. Now to get a copy of the tape...-Mark (08/22/2007)

May of 1977

My favorite month in Grateful Dead history!-B. Real (09/18/2007)

After many many dead shows, Cornell 77 was magnificent Joe Head hits the mark with his comment on the zen simplicity in Jerry's first solo in Fire. The whole show was zen simplicity

Just as Europe 72 set the standard for China/RiderCornell 77 set the bar for Scarlet/FireMore importantly, this show has tone and space and room for the band and audience (I was there) to breathe. None of the coked up rush or the laziness of some show. The transition from Scarlet to Fire, when Phil and Bob and Jerry throw those phrases, when jerry's envelope hits, is some of the best dead music ever. THe room was electric that night and actually after Boston it makes sense that they would be so on. They hit arcs of shows, Why did we follow them so much?

But you can hear the articulation in everyone's playing. All parts like threads in a tapestry. Lots and lots of great shows but Cornell, Like much of Europe in 72, just made sense. Spring 77 was an exemplary tour. THey had found a new sound and space and they had not really begun to get LOW with blow and smack (Jerry and Keith) that is.

It is still very very contemporary-
(09/20/2007)

I listened to this show near the beginning of my Deadhead career. The show is great all the way through, best NFA ever, wonderful Steven, too bad Donna missed the cue, but whatever.

If I had to pick a show to showcase the dead to someone i would pick this one. Brown eyed woman is increadable,probably the best (sans europe 72). And then after a above average fist set the bands creative potential absolutely explodes sending shock waves of psychadellia into your ears. Definitely one of the best of the decade.-
(04/17/2008)

I've always liked the Dead but never considered myself to fully get them till (thanks to Nugs.net) I discovered this unparalleled run in March, 1977. There were at the height of their game here; and this is one of their best performances IMHO, if not THE best. They just sound so tight - and Jerry's wailing on Row Jimmy just sends me every time. And like JL says, the transition from Scarlet to Fire gives me goosebumps!

I also never realized this was a Mother's Day show until this year on the 31st anniversary of the show when I listened to it like 4 times in a row on a hiking trip to the Smokies...

I can only imagine what it would have been like to have been there.-
(05/28/2008)

best morning dew ever,period!-steve (06/09/2008)

e1 talks about the s>f, morning dew, but no one has mentioned this is the BEST row jimmy they ever played...so sweet and calming, I fall asleep during the middle of this song everytime-
(07/19/2008)

Get the matrix version of this show - new layers of the onion open.

Ive had this show in various forms since the early 90s and listening to it again over the last days has floored me.

THE best Lazy lighning > Supplication ever. The best TLEO? One of the best jack Straws, Brown eyed women is on fire, oh and then theres the second set.Did i mention the Dancing.

Im sorry there is simply no way to say this show is overrated. Its hte fuckign motherlode.-
(09/10/2008)

I'm a 33 year old head who'd seen the band in the 90's and got into the tape trading scene.I was a newbie, mailing blanks for tapes till I had something to offer.This show was THE show man, along with the '70 valentine run. I remember dropping hits and biking to a friend's place (45 min away) with set 2 in my sony cassette walkman and just watching the world melt by in pastels and crimson to jerry's solos.Just downloaded it and heard it again for the 1st time in 4 or 5 years and I must say.. Straight as an arrow, it STILL blows the f***kin mind-
(09/17/2008)

A Personal Anecdote

It was May 8, 1976. I drove down from my college in upstate New York to Ithaca, home of Cornell University, for a Grateful Dead concert. It was a cheerful, sunny day with the dandelions blooming in bright yellow ripples across the rural fields rolling town to the Finger Lakes. I was almost nineteen years old and trying to make sense of life. I was a thinker with a mystical bent, trying to find a way out of the soft, drifting sadness which colored my everyday life.

I met several hometown friends at one of their apartments and, at the appointed hour, we trundled across campus to the local armory where the concert was to be held. Being experienced concert-goers, we left several hours before the show to get in front of the line. Even with that we found about thirty people ahead of us when we arrived. Settling in near the staircase to the armory door, we passed our time catching up and talking of fun times.

As the concert time drew near I somehow found myself on the concrete abutment next to the stairs. When I got out of the, now sizable, crowd I noticed that the blue sky had blown over with wintry clouds and the temperature had dropped considerably. One of my friends handed me a loaf of cafeteria bread that we had brought for supper. After having a couple of slices I noticed that the people below me in the crowd were hungry and asking for bread. I started handing out slices and then a strange thing happened. They started throwing it back at me. I didn’t feel that the bread was that bad, and giving bread to strangers, I thought, was a generous thing to do. I guess they had some sort of problem with someone handing things out to them from above, like an authority complex. Perhaps they didn’t like seeing me enjoying myself, but whatever the reason, I just gave them the whole loaf, which they took gratefully.

The crowd’s energy built as the concert time drew near. By now all of my friends had squeezed onto the stairs and when the doors opened we were pushed into the armory like water down a pipe. Running for the stage, we found ourselves near enough to spit at it. Let me tell you a little bit about Grateful Dead fans. They approach a live concert with the reverence of a Pentecostal church service, yet they compete for the best view with such intensity that the crowds near the stage almost get crushed. Many take hallucinogenic drugs in order to enhance their ecstatic experience. In fact, the Grateful Dead came to be in San Francisco during the Psychedelic Sixties and are considered by many to be the quintessential acid-rock band. I liked them because they had a folksy style that was easy-going.

At this time in my life I had moved away from the mind altering substances in favor of meditation and clean living. What a relief that was. Yet still I held onto my dream of something else, something much greater that I knew, inside, to be a higher truth, a higher experience. The Grateful Dead described themselves as “A signpost to a new space” and I sensed that they had something I wanted. Something abstract, yet more real than anything. People told of great explosions of spiritual energy during concerts, also of warm feelings of peace and unity with the crowd and the band. The music was accessible, not filled with complaining and bitterness like much rock music of the time. In fact, there was a hopefulness that came through, that life could be better if we came to terms with our own fears and weaknesses and learned love and compassion. The Woodstock ideal.

The concert started right on time, with the crowd dancing joyfully to the playful melodies and rhythms. I shared the fun with my friends who surrounded me, smiling and chatting about how good the music was. The band, notorious for extremely long concerts, took a break after about an hour and a half. We sat and ate what was left of our provisions and eagerly anticipated the next set. The audience hushed as they saw the band coming out onto the darkened stage. The second set is always much more powerful than the first; the band has warmed up, as has the audience, creating a dynamic synergy.

It was coming from that energetic silence that something quite profound happened to me. From the silence between songs, the bass player struck a deep, powerful tone, the first notes of “Jack Straw”, which touched me deep in my soul. I found myself instantly transported from the steamy, noisy crowd in the auditorium to a deep, silent space within my mind. The music flowed through my heart like a river of light, and the dancing crowd was my body. There was no more noise, no motion, no question of comfort or pain, only silence, deep silence within me and surrounding me. Everything was perfect order.

I watched in awe as the beauty of the night unfolded around me and through me. I must have looked quite odd when the lead guitarist glanced out at the crowd and seeing me, mouth agape and starry eyed, smiled knowingly. The night whirled on as I drifted in this ecstatic state. No drug could have given me the depth of peace and silence that my simple innocence provided. I knew from my meditation studies that this was the sought-after transcendent state, the inner light that gives freedom and knowledge. And I was so grateful to have this knowingness descend upon me on that auspicious night.

There were no words to tell my friends as we filed out of the hall after the last encore, just a piercing twinkle in my happily tired eyes. Yet nature seemed to have come up with the proper expression of wonder for the occasion, for when we emerged from the armory, the blooming May landscape of the previous day had been coated with six inches of fresh snow, giving a surreal silence and purity to the town.

In a spiritual journey, which is all this life really is, there are landmarks which both light the way and give hope for the future. Their coming is a wonder and a blessing, for we cannot create these experiences. They are far beyond our small powers of comprehension and manipulation. They are a gift, outright. Our role is only to be grateful and open, listening to our lives as if to a venerated old grandparent. And giving without asking why. Perhaps the Grateful Dead knew something of this path we are on. And perhaps they somehow found a way to spark that growth in their listeners. In don’t know, but I am grateful to anyone who offers hope and wisdom to this weary world.

-
(01/20/2009)

HOAX!!!-Anonymous (02/06/2009)

When Jerry was playin' scarlet>fire, you think he realized he was playing so damn good???-August West (03/03/2009)

I was stuck in '72, '73 and '74 forever. This show got me and kept me in '77-A fan (03/03/2009)

As much as I love this show (as famous as it is) as well as the '77 & '78 era--'72 thru '74 is still the best!!! It's Dead that just can't be touched...a tight, maturing, exploratory band more on fire than any other years.

: ) peace-Scott (03/10/2009)

First set is great, second set is superb. Honestly, I think this show is over rated. I love it but I don't think it is one of the best shows they ever played. If the first set was as good as the second then it would definitely be one of their best shows.-
(09/09/2009)

Can everyone please stop referring to tapes as "bootlegs". Bootlegs are unauthorized recordings of john tesh concerts, these tapes are authorized audience recordings. Bootlegs do nothing to help the scene or the freedom the dead gave us to document and share their music.-me (09/22/2009)

best dew I've come across...-
(11/07/2009)

This is the most overrated show of all time. Seriously. Go to Summer of 76' to see REAL dead!! peace.-
(12/06/2009)

other than the obvious highlights (scarlet>fire, dancin', morning dew) for me this show has one of the greatest not fade aways ever. the only other versions that could possibly eclipse this "not fade away" are 2/14/70 or 9/3/77-
(12/21/2009)

A quick comment, after finally hearing this show after many years a deadhead. It is certainly the finest, or one of the finish, shows ever - but who should split such hairs. So many amazing moments to comment on. The band plays with real soul throughout, finding each tune's essence. Keith is beyond excellent form throughout, and in the final moments of Dew he give the show it's apex moment when he throws down what is in my opinion the greatest rock 'n roll piano slide ever recorded - equal to Daltry's greatest rock 'n roll scream ever on "Won't get fooled again". Jerry is absolute genius everywhere. The rough edges here and there give the whole show such a human tinge - you know you are hearing something marvelous being created in the moment. Too much more to praise and so I will leave it at that. A must hear performance.-
(12/21/2009)

BEST DEAD SHOW EVER!!!! I could wright essays on the dead and let alone this show. I understand others arguments on this "not being the best show ever" and I understand. Personally it's a fallacy to try and list dead concerts from greatest to least but this is personally my favourite ever. They had over 500 songs to choose from so what is a perfect song selection? This concert just has that perfect culmination of spirit, heart, soul, song, and gestalt. From the first song the concert is a hit, no taking a few songs to warm up and find the groove of the show it just happens. So yeah maybe not the greatest bestest ever dead show of all time but at the same time it is, go figure. happy listening. long live the betty boards!!! -
(02/11/2010)

Hunter's Trix Volume 40 - Using an AUD source not used before, and Betty Cantor's excellent SBD, Hunter has put together a matrix of this show that will blow your mind. Mp3 audio @ 320kbps. Clean, free download at rapidshare.

What's the definition of seamless? Websters dictionary defines it 'the transition between scarlet>fire 5/8/77'. Seriously, each member crosses over individually and when they sync up about a minute into Fire i get chills EVERY TIME! Also love Jerry just goin' OFF in the middle of Dancin' before Bob corrals him into a great funky breakdown. Performance is so tight, sound is A+++, only drawback is the straightforward setlist but that's like complaining about the weight of gold. I'm glad i listened to this before i realized how revered it was, how can anything live up to the hype!! Let's just say this show is amazing and leave it at that.-
(03/19/2010)

by far one of the top five shows of all time the morning dew is priceless-
(05/13/2010)

While I agree this is a great Row Jimmy it is definitely not the best ever. Off the top of my head I can think of a couple of better Jimmy's. The one from Egypt for example is even better-
(08/09/2010)

A killer show but in my opinion not the best. I cannot label one dead show as the best, it just seems wrong in my opinion. This show is solid and has some tasty moments, listen to 12-27-77 for another smokin show from 77.-Justin (01/04/2011)

All music is, is a matter of opinion so judging which show is the best and which is the worse is all decided by the listener, but all i can say about this tape is row jimmy, morning dew and scarlet begonias moved me too tears and i know it did too any other deadhead and that right their is a fact about this tape,

ps: to neil how can u say a song played by jerry is "uninspired" quit sniffing ur mothers key board cleaner and bitching u fag -
(01/06/2011)

I was 19 and a freshman and I really was there, all those years ago. I didn't go to 100 dead shows (more like 20) and I don't own every tape of every show -- but I can say that at the end of a very long and stoned evening, Morning Dew made everyone look around and say "what the fk" -- you knew right then and there that you were witnessing history. If others saw better shows or listen to them today, then that's great, but for me, I can only say "thank you Jerry, and shine on forever."-
(04/22/2011)

The St. Stephen>NFA>Stephen>Morning Dew is amazing! One of my favorite moments.-
(04/25/2011)

This show is overrated, 1977 is overrated. The best music the Dead ever played is to be found in 1972, 1973 and 1974. 1977 has some great jams yes but there ain't no weirdness. 72-74 weirdness and great jamming transcends 1977 just jamming. The Dead without weirdness is like a jelly donut without jelly. The donut still tastes really good. But it doesn't have any jelly.-The Truth (05/07/2011)

Greatest show? Don't know what that means. I think this show typifies their 77-78 sound... slick, icy, yet sizzling and, many times, gut-wrenching deep. They had a great 74 sound. A great 68-70 sound. A great 80-81 sound. And the more you listen to the Dead, across their years, the more you realize that some shows seem to stand out more within a given period, because they really showcased the band at their absolute best in that time... what they were thinking about. Basically, they found a way at Cornell to say exactly what they were thinking through their instruments. At least, that's how I see it.

De coloribus et gustibus non disputandum est.-
(05/25/2011)

One other quick thought...

I've always loved the shit out of this show. The second set particularly. It seemed like Jerry could just play anything that came into his mind, and that was kind of rare for the Fat Man, because his mind was always so unusual that his fingers often wouldn't bend to his imagination. I say that not to criticize his playing, but because he really WAS that creative... always challenging himself... restless... taking it one step beyond his comfort zone. Most guitarists play licks that are easy for them... that they know. They're not willing to really put themselves out there and risk failing on stage.

In this show, somehow, his fingers managed to keep up with his imagination. So we hear it all. You hear that at the Great American 8.13.75 show, too. I suspect there were a lot of other shows like this that simply didn't get recorded as well, however.

To the guy who said that the key to the Dead was the weirdness... I totally disagree. The key to the Grateful Dead was the HEART AND SOUL. Show me a band that comes out and plays with pure passion... totally un-"sexy" and unstylish... without any put ons... without trying to sell something. Sometimes, the passion came out in the form of weirdness. Sometimes, the passion came out in the form of rich, luscious jams. Sometimes, it didn't come out. But there was the potential any night for you to be moved.

I wasn't just there for the drugs and the "trippy" music. The trips were fresh. The weirdness took you outside yourself. But Jerry just wailing on one string and using a wah pedal?... those 74 shows were amazing and weird, for sure... but so were the shows back in 68 and 69. All that stuff on Anthem is fantastic. It wasn't just 72-74. The Dead always brought their own brand of weirdness. It just changed over time. But, again, I don't think that weirdness was what they were trying to present... or they wouldn't have played songs like Me & My Uncle so many times (though the little story IS pretty strange, huh?)

They wanted to say something about what it is to be free, to be in America in the 60s and onward. Some of that was in the form of "free your mind" material, some was embodied in songs about the freedom of the American west, and a lot of it questioned what freedom was if there was any such thing at all. When I think of the Dead, I think of all those characters. The Wharf Rat. Black Peter. The narrator of Stella Blue. I think of all of those passionate versions of Morning Dew.

I'm overanalyzing a bit... but my point is... over the years, when I went to their shows, I tried not to impose my idea of what I wanted a show to be like on the experience. They changed. They grew. There were different periods, but each was great in its own way (except for maybe the very end, which was just tragic.) Instead of saying... "God... 78 wasn't 74"... just enjoy!-
(06/01/2011)

This is some of Jerry's best guitar work. He absolute kills it on Deal, Row Jimmy, and Jack Straw in the first set. The second set is unbelievable. He takes it to the next level. Classic Jerry.-
(07/04/2011)

this show obviously is top notch. talked about a lot and with good reason. I just wanted to say one thing I've been dwelling on for the past week or so..THIS TLEO IS PHENOMENAL.The interplay between Keith and Jerry is astounding. Keith just amazes me and the music feels like I'm drifting away from earth on a hot air balloon.

So much more to say about this show but what's a better TLEO? I'm curious

Peaceeee-
(09/20/2011)

Who cares if this is the best show or what is the best show. All that matters is the fact that the grateful dead was the greatest band EVER to hit the stages. The only word that comes to my mind when describing any song/concert is MAGICAL. Garcia is hands down the most inspirational musician that has ever lived. Instead of arguing opinions just listen to the phenomenal music that came from this band. I must say my favorite shows are 5/8/77, 9/18/87, 4/24/1978 simply amazing recordings!-
(09/22/2011)

Quite simply, this concert is better than I ever thought music could be. The more I listen, the more I enjoy it and am in awe of it. Jerry's power, eloquence, and beauty are overwhelming. At times (Loser, Row, Dancin', and the ENTIRE 2nd set) I'm left struggling to believe what I am hearing. Did time stand still? If you told me Jerry was floating above the stage I'd believe it.-
(09/28/2011)

Whoever thinks this is their favorite show: you need to listen to 10.25.73 Eyes. Its better than this show all by itself. Then check out shakedown from 6.30.85. Or how about anything from may 74.-mark on elm (10/15/2011)

Scarlet>Fire...most phenominal music i have ever herd, my soul was literally touched by garcias playing in the transition between the songs, most beautiful guitar work ever played by a human being-mahrtin (10/25/2011)

This was my second of well over 100 shows. It changed the course of my life both good and bad. Pouring raing going in and 6" of snow leading to 12" on the way out. A very interesting ride back to Hobart. Very fond memories.-Pete (10/26/2011)

First Dark Star-
(10/29/2011)

^ no way stu. this was their first brown eyed women though!-
(11/02/2011)

Um, no. You're wrong, too, anderson. Definitely not the first brown-eyed women.It's a great show, the a.m. dew in particular, but how can you compare this to a show like 4/14/72 (to take just one of the many incredible shows from '72)? -Faustus (11/08/2011)

A very good show but not their best. There is a new re transfer of Jerry Moore's audience tapes making the rounds. -
(11/12/2011)

This is a great show. Also it is the most overrated show of all time. All time.-mark (11/12/2011)

Okay, all these comments and all the all-knowing deadheads, and all the veterans who have seen them live... let me tell you this-THERE IS A REASON THAT CORNELL IS CONSIDERED THE GRATEST DEAD SHOW OF ALL TIME>>>Follow me to the PEAK OF THE DEAD...from NEW HAVEN MAY 5th, 1977, unto BUFFALO MAY 9th, 1977... this is known as the "peak of the dead".Look, I respect everyone's opinions, but listen up!I have listen to every Dead SHOW and there are PUHLEEENTY PULENTY plenty awesome shows. Each SETLIST has its own spirit.However, we are talking about music. Music comes down to "details" and also "nuance". YES... Jerry had begun the hardcore heroin addiction. But in the beginning stages, it is actually an enhancement- kinda like IRONMAN. Just think SUBLIME or NIRVANA! ANYHOO... this concert is essential, not only because of its crystallic sound, but because; all of Jerry's life, he wanted his brain to make his fingers fullfill what he thought. His obsession of transcendent perfection through live performence affected every member of the band (the greatest advocate was PIGPEN) and so!CORNELL is the greatest concert because of the perfection of the NOTES and of the PERFORMANCEclose is 4-23-77 or the infamous VENETA '72.-renrael (12/09/2011)

Omg this is the show where Jerry and Pigpen got naked and started sucking each other's dicks! I was sitting in the front row, and I got covered in jizz! This was succeeded by a 30 minute Golden Road>Samson and Delilah>Golden Road>Wang Dang Doodle>Golden Road! Simply the greatest show ever! Unfortunately, the penis heroin I took that night was laced with acid and I bugged the fuck out.-Anonymous (12/10/2011)

Sorry, Anonymous, but no. Pigpen had been dead for some time. -Abby Normal (12/20/2011)

Bill Graham sat in on trumpet at this show.

Seriously, though, Keith's playing prevents this from being the best show ever. Listen to 4/14/72, the best show from the European tour, and you'll hear a superb piano player who is integral to the band's sound and knows how to play in this band. Where did that guy go? His repetitive loops in Scarlet are a distraction. -Jones (12/20/2011)

The comments here on this one are a complete joke. Best show ever? Not even close. Get real. No show without Pig Pen and TC cannot be the best ever. Whoever says its the best ever needs to have more than 5 shows in their collection. Give me a frickin break.

-wtf (01/08/2012)

This tape is one of the greatest because of the quality of the musicianship, the recording, and the intangibles of how the band played that night. It's a classic.-
(01/20/2012)

Excellent show, good energy, nice audience tape. Why does it matter if it is your favorite, or not someone elses? Who wins the prize for listing the best shows correctly?No offense, I understand and dig the discussion, it's cool, just not the competition or vitriol from some.Guess it depends on why you listen and what you get out of it.We all have years, tours, line-ups and shows we preffer, great. Enjoy the good fortune we all have to still hear such an amazing catalogue. Chill on the hyper negative, it doesn't make you sound cool or like an authority, just a crank. You plant ice, you're gonna harvest wind.-
(02/12/2012)

"Um, no. You're wrong, too, anderson. Definitely not the first brown-eyed women.It's a great show, the a.m. dew in particular, but how can you compare this to a show like 4/14/72 (to take just one of the many incredible shows from '72)?-Faustus (11/08/2011)"

Haha I was just kidding with the poster who said this was first dark star and being sarcastic.

still diggin this show, 24 listens of TLEO later-branderson (03/25/2012)

There is no such thing as a perfect show or best show ever; are there magical moments?, absolutely: Dancin', Scarlet/Fire & Morning Dew.

Remember, the Dead may not be the best at what they do, they're the only ones who do what they do (ty Uncle Bobo).

May of '77, an apex of the Travis Bean era, this show would be ranked (in my opinion) 4 or 5th just in the month alone.

Keith G. playing can be brilliant at times, however, the repetitive loops during the Scarlet/Fire segue are annoying and uninspiring. Have to keep in mind that this is the ninth time this pairing has ever been played, and Godchaux's sense of timing has been ravaged by the effects of 8 yrs. of heavy drug use.

Overall, a good show with amazing moments, not a great show.-
(04/14/2012)

I was there, and I taped the show. Hand held the AKG mics going into my Sony 152, which was no small feat under the influences! :-) Tape was widely distributed, and the show went viral. Best show ever? Unlikely. But it was kick-ass, and the Dew was legendary. Don't get too caught up in the judgements. It was time and place, and many people's first tape of a show that just happened.

Those mics (E210 I believe) went down to 20hz, so the Phil on them was unlike anything, even til this day (the master still lives!). And I've got 35 years of masters since, mostly with "better" mics, but none that went that low!

10 inches of snow that night. Stayed up watching it fall while listening to the show all over again - marveling at how awesome it was to be able to do so! It was my third show with good equipment (following Springfield and New Haven just before it).

This is the best show of any kind by anyone every. Had I not been in attendance, I would not have been inspired to invent the time machine that took me back to 1941, the Allies would have lost World War II, and your cell phones would all be cloned by disreputable criminals. More importantly, the opening to St. Stephen exceeds the powerful, early versions by epitomizing Garcia's true musical genius: the sweet, tearful, paradoxiacally uplifting nostalgia that was his unique, inimitable gift.

What year is it again?-Heddy Lamarr (07/06/2012)

Nothin agaisnt anyone who thinks this is like the greatest dead show of all time, but i have to firmly Disagree. If you have ever heard Hartford from this same month and year on some heady doses, this show isn't shit compared to that. Have to give this show and every other from May of '77, but Hartford just incapacitated me. Just my opinion.-Murphy (07/31/2012)

I will say this show does have my favorite Dancin' and Minglewood in it. Crazy vocal distortion in the first set shoulda been used more throughout their career, pitty, it made bobby sound evil. hahaha, RIP Jerry, miss ya brah.-Murphy (08/01/2012)

Truly one of the best shows, BUT... the Scarlet jam on 9/2/78 [Giants Stadium] is absolutely dominate. Sorry to upset the Cornell lovers, but the picking of of the 4 fingered genius in simply amazing (even though they skip a lyric in the 1st half, but who cares). Just take a listen and you will agree.

AC

By the way the Fire is ruined by Donna's screams. Of course....-
(08/05/2012)

I actually like Donna's screaming sometimes-Anonymous (09/23/2012)

Fantastic show, regardless of the hype. Great energy, and the Scarlet Begonias/Fire On The Mountain is their best version of the two songs, no doubt. -
(10/14/2012)

Fess Up "Anonymous" you must be Donna Jean Godchaux. Only you can love your screams......-
(10/27/2012)

I like how Jerry quotes Dave Brubeck several times on his Estimated solo.-
(12/10/2012)

stupid prick yelling during AM Dew.-Anonymous (01/12/2013)

It is very fashionable to call this show the greatest GD in history but I'll take a smoking 72' show over this anytime-
(02/20/2013)

All their shows were good. Some better then others, some Astronomically better then others. But there can never and will never be a unanimous "best show". So many heads with so many opinions can never put together a concise answer, besides, any new people discovering this amazing mind melt band will think ever show is the greatest, because there will alawys be someone who triped their face off at a show, even 90's, and think it can't be topped. So this is definitley up there, but i don't think there can be a clear winner. The boys will blow any other band out the water anyway, so who really cares which ones best.-Anonymous (02/25/2013)

Bob has played the Bohemian Grove, so clarson may not be off base. But brevity liberates the mind control.-Admiral Inman (03/02/2013)

Hey Anonymous, "Astronomically" positions have absolutely nothing to do with if a show is perceived to be good or great and the rest of your spiel is truly nonsense. Have a great day. -AC (04/03/2013)

This show is one of the greats, and a Soundboard copy is being preserved in the Smithsonian Nation Audio Recoding Archives as part of their historical concerts clollection. So there is no disputing that a good majority of Heads believe this to be their greatest show. and AC, Most of what that bro said was correct. 1. Any new person listening to the band for the first time will think any show they hear is amazing. Thats why people got on the bus so quick after their first show. 2. Acid makes you think everything is amazing, and only the experienced trippers seem to realize that there is a difference in how good a show was to you and how good it actually was. For example; a previous comment i made on this show, right after tripping to 5/28/77. 3. The Grateful Dead has never and will never be matched in musical intensity or on-the-spot creativity. No one will ever be able to fuck your brain sideways like these boys can. So, the "best" show is an irrelivant point, because any show is better then no show at all.

My only "Sober" opinion on this show, is that it is definitely one of the most well known shows by people who aren't even heads, and most people know this show as the greatest show in the dead history. So if you take into account how easily convinced people are of anything, it doesn't surprise me that there would be a unanimous outside perception that this is the best show. Thats why The Smithsonian chose it, cause most people know of it. But there is NO BEST SHOW!!!! There is only YOUR OPINION of what the best show is. and an opinion is like taking a dump, everyone does it, but no body wants to know about it. -Murphy (04/24/2013)

I was lucky enough to be present at this show, and was apparently one of the few who got a good photograph! I shot this during the slow vocals in St. Stephen...

http://i5.nyu.edu/~mm64/goldfarb/GD5877.JPG

-
(04/25/2013)

Hey Murphy,I agree a lot of people BELIEVE that this show is the BEST but my first post was about how scarlet & especially the jam on 9/2/78 [Giants Stadium] is superior. Sure this show is great and one of my favorites but most people say this is the best scarlet and that is what I am challengingPeaceAC-
(04/30/2013)

AC,

Unfortuneatley i had not heard the '78 Giants stadium show before i made the previous posts. I whole heartedly agree with your opinion about that scarlet->fire. It was emaculate. I can't say that i broke down in tears from the intensity of this Barton Scar-fire, but i can most certainly say that about the First Giants Stadium Scar-fire. IF ONLY I HAD KNOWN!!!! lol.

I still stand by my statements about LSD and Music however; more so now after the emabressment i saw Phish present at SPAC. Music is better when you have a clear head to pay attention with. Peace and Love AC. -Murphy (07/17/2013)

Murphy,It's all good. LOL. Peace, love and all that jazz.-
(08/10/2013)

Okay, all these comments and all the all-knowing deadheads, and all the veterans who have seen them live... let me tell you this-THERE IS A REASON THAT CORNELL IS CONSIDERED THE GRATEST DEAD SHOW OF ALL TIME>>>Follow me to the PEAK OF THE DEAD...from NEW HAVEN MAY 5th, 1977, unto BUFFALO MAY 9th, 1977... this is known as the "peak of the dead".Look, I respect everyone's opinions, but listen up!I have listen to every Dead SHOW and there are PUHLEEENTY PULENTY plenty awesome shows. Each SETLIST has its own spirit.However, we are talking about music. Music comes down to "details" and also "nuance". YES... Jerry had begun the hardcore heroin addiction. But in the beginning stages, it is actually an enhancement- kinda like IRONMAN. Just think SUBLIME or NIRVANA! ANYHOO... this concert is essential, not only because of its crystallic sound, but because; all of Jerry's life, he wanted his brain to make his fingers fullfill what he thought. His obsession of transcendent perfection through live performence affected every member of the band (the greatest advocate was PIGPEN) and so!CORNELL is the greatest concert because of the perfection of the NOTES and of the PERFORMANCEclose is 4-23-77 or the infamous VENETA '72-
(09/16/2013)

Renrael,Nice comments and yes I agree.AC-AC (09/24/2013)

I don't know. I've listened to this show about ten times now and I don't see what the fuss is all about. It's not bad but I have yet to lose sleep thinking about this concert. I have heard Grateful Dead shows that have made me almost cry from the music and this one does not do it for me. Someone please explain why this show deserves to be up there along with The Field Trip, Dick's Picks 4, Dick's Picks 18 and The Winterland Shows? That would be so much appreciated. Thanks.-
(10/02/2013)

Hi AC and Murphyright now i'm listening to the giants stadium version. Very Nice. Thanks!! I got on the bus with a scarlet/fire from ontario 6.21.84. Check it out..Greetings from switzerland-
(11/02/2013)

I love the heated debates over this show, they all seem to amount to, "This is the tightest and closest to perfect they ever played". Whatever perfect may mean to one person or another, this is probably the all around tightest show in its entirety. Trust me when i say, there are amazing moments an some of the most shot shows, but as i listen to more and more shows and progress furthur into the 80's i've realized that this show was just the most flawless as a whole. yes the giants stadium Scar Fire made me cry and i'm sure the ontario one mentioned above will do magical things for me too, but this show will always be where everything just worked.

for whatever reason; be it a government conspiracy involving Jerry being a CIA agent, or the acid was just that good and in that many people's veins, this show will always be their "Best", but it will never be everyones Favorite. So no matter what your opinion is, the more shows you listen to, the more you will realize this -> your favorite show has nothing to do with how well they played, it's all about how much you smiled or cried. -Murphy (11/10/2013)

The Pride of Cucamonga was quite weak, Keith must have been heroin'd out again...overrated show if you ask me-Carl (11/14/2013)

Rizzo,

I was the one who brought the Giant Stadium 1978 -Scarlet Begonias discussion to light (not Murphy). So, you should have thanked me solely.... Also Murphy said explicitly that he did not cry after hearing the Scarlet jam (what a rock hard heart he has).

JK. Me and Murphy have exchanged opinions in the past in a joking manor. LOL

But, all those who continue to think or summarize that this show is the peak of GD history, well in my opinion you just don't get it.

Obviously, Jerry was hitting his notes this show, but just like viewing a beautiful masterpiece (painting), you can isolate a tiny portion of the over all composition (maybe even a single brush stroke) and find greatness. Similarly, greatness can be found throughout the GD's history, a single note that sets one song from the rest, the energy heard from the 4 fingered genius, a unique jam created on stage and never repeated, etc.. The great thing about being a Dead head is that no one show is the best in all categories or by quality of a specific songs. You can listen to a show a 100 times and rate it a B- and then one day a specific song or jam catches your ear and you find greatness in the music you had previously written off as noise.

One show can never be summed up as a 'peak' in all of GD history since there are thousands of peaks (specific songs, jams, songs in different guitar keys, added or excluded lyrics, organization or lyrics, etc.) like nuggets of gold, most have not been found as well as recognized for their greatness. Since human like to simplify, summarize, quantify and rank items, achievements, Dead shows or just about anything else, us fellow Heads will unfortunately miss numerous moments of greatness by the band we love, since we accept the preconceived notions that one show sucks while another is great.

I believe you can download any one show and find a 'nugget' or specific jam or note that sets the song apart from the rest. All you have to do is listen with an open mind and you will find an abundance of gems from the first time you hear a show to the last.

AC

PS.... I have not checked out 6/21/84, but I will certainly take a listen....Thanks for the suggestion-AC (11/24/2013)

Murphy,

Do you really think Jerry was a C.I.A. Agent? Interesting.

I heard Jerry helped to stage the moon landing in '69.... So.....

LOL

-AC (11/24/2013)

Question for you all: do you think this was the best Grateful Dead show ever performed? Discuss...-jimmy Rows (11/25/2013)

Jimmy Rows,

What the hell... Just about every other post in this forum of comments is about 'if this show is the best'. How about you read some of the thread before you post. (If your comment was posted in ironic fashion then... Hahaha hehehe... Happy early turkey day)-AC (11/27/2013)

I'm new to "the greatful dead" is this live digital recording of a concert any good???-jimmy Rows (11/27/2013)

There is no best show, that is a personal opinion. However, imo i think this is probably the tightest they've ever played. this is by no means my favorite, i'm becoming more of an 80's person now, especially after hearing that ontario '84 show, which was dedicated to wavy gravy, that crazy beatnick from all the woodstock videos, the toothless hillbilly lookin one for those who need a description. This is just the period where billy and mickey were tightest after all the terrapin sessions.

Truth be told i have little interest in listening to this entire year ever again, maybe in a few years i'll come back to the late 70's with the disco dead, but i've really been diggin on the bluesy shows of the early to mid 80's. There will never be a unanimous vote for the best show.

AC, i don't think Jerry was in the CIA, but if you read one of the longest post on here, one of the earliest ones, there is a really funny rant by some burnout who thinks this show was a government experiment or some shit like that. Apparently Jerry was in the C.I.A. according to this head, i personally think he just took one too many hits or got trancended to another dimension from which he can never return. would love to hear the show that did it to him, haha

As far as summing up a show, there are some things in this world that will drive you insane trying to explain, such as what the best show out of thousands played is.

Firstly, unless your doing what i'm doing, which is listening to ever single show recorded in chronilogical order in one continuous fashion, you can't really say one show is better then all others. and the real joke of what i just said is that after about 600 shows i began to give less and less of a rats ass about which show was the best and began to care more about which shows make me smile and dance the most. it sometimes has been a little ridiculous, cause when your dancin' to the dead in the middle of an NYC subway platform, people think your homless, crazy or both. I love it.

As for the scarlet fire thing we were talkin about before, i have yet to hear one more intense then that giants stadium one, but i think that also has to do with the fact that i'm only about half way through brent's time with the dead, so he's still fallin into his proper place, i'm sure by the time i get to 88 and 89 i will be singin a different tune.

I've just begun the '84 fall tour and they are really going for the stars with these shows. If you wanna good recomendation, listen to the greek theater run from '84, crazy Dark star encore on friday the 13th.

I'm actually listening to the Augusta Civic shows right now, the shakedowns of '84 have really hard hitting rifts from jerry and the little drummer boys. Definitely worth looking into.

This discussion will go on forever and i couldn't be more grateful. This just goes to show that even though jerry's been dead for almost 20 years, Brent for almost 25, Keith, fuck, keiths been gone for 35 years, and Pig pen has been gratefuly dead for 40 years this past March; the music lives on forever in the hearts and ears of everyone whos lives they touched directly. and there are more and more people still discovering the magic that was the four fingered genius, our crazy uncle jerry.

P.S., no matter what opinion or explanation you come up with for this show, one thing is for certain, you were getting crushed if you were there. So i'll take a recording any day, least i can stretch out while i space out. -Murphy (12/09/2013)

best dew in existence man, jerry is the heart and soul of all music known to mankind. if anybody says they didnt like somethin bout this show, they should be ashamed to call themselves a dead fan

-Nugg-Thug (12/09/2013)

dew made me cry. the most beautiful piece of audio ive ever heard

-Nugg-Thug (12/09/2013)

idk man, there are some ridiculous dews in the early 80's, with jerry's voice sounding like the veteran he is, i love this dew, but the older jerry gets, the more soulful his voice got. the pain in his life really shines through and tear at your heartstrings. even in his bronchitis days, he pushes through and it just makes it all the more intense, you feel the pain like it's you belting out, but i guess it doesn't matter, jerry is a king anyway you slice it. The man had the voice of a fallen angel.-Murphy (12/09/2013)

Murphy,

Good posting / commenting / chatting with you. I will check out that earlier post about Jerry and the C.I.A. (I'm sure lol) Hey, I respect your opinion so, if you want to throw some recommendation as you take your journey thru the 80' I would love to hear them and I am sure others would also appreciate this. I obviously have many favorites in this time period but would really like to hear what you uncover. Hey, just comment back to me in this post with your suggestions in MM/DD/YY format and any comments (certainly not required). Just simple 'Hey AC, checkout these gems out MM/DD/YY' would suffice and you know I will. Let me know, I will check weekly or biweekly. I look forward to what you find.

AC-AC (12/10/2013)

Murphy

I just found the CIA post. Wow, that guy was absolutely abducted by aliens and probable wears a tin foil hat now.-AC (12/10/2013)

Yeah AC, when i read it i was dying. I'm surprised no one else has really seen it. it may be complete nonsense, but it's definitely worth a good laugh.

"The names Bond... Jerome Bond!"

And It's always nice to talk to someone who truly appreciates the music and knows what they're talking about. Not too many people on this sight have constructive comments, just the same people like Perrinswolf, who has definitely gone through their history once or twice.

as for a new gem, 10/14-15/84. These Hartford shows were pretty good, they broke out lovelight as the encore the first night, because the fire marshall apparently turned up the lights to tell them the show was over during a fat NFA, but the boys just said F U and went right into lovelight while the crowd was chanting the NFA chorus, it's a little ruff, but the crowd just goes nuts. The next night was even better with a monster Hell -> Sugaree -> El paso opener and a very spacey, yet rockin playin' in the band sandwich. The el Paso is funny too, for the first 30 seconds or so, jerry is still in the Sugaree mode with his playing and then it sounds like he just went, OH SHIT and got back on track, it amazingly worked though.

Also, 10/11-12/84 at the Augusta Center, Started Playin the first night, then Ended it in the middle of UJB the second night. definitely worth taking 5 hours out of your day.

Happy jamming AC-Murphy (12/10/2013)

Murphy,

Hey, I appreciate your last post and will take a listen to those shows you suggested. Thanks for the post and hope to hear of additional 'gems' you find in the 80's and eventually the 90's.

Take Care,

-AC (12/19/2013)

What band are we talking about here?-
(12/19/2013)

Hey AC,

First real killer of '85 is the first night of the Irvine Meadows run, 4/13/1985. the second set opens with Terrapin Station -> Playin' In The Band -> Crazy Fingers -> Truckin'. nuff said.

The next night you should check out is the first night of the Frost. in '85. 4/27/1985. Great show, the end of the first set is a monster of a ride. I'll give more dates as i find them.

-Anonymous (12/27/2013)

^^^^ the second night of the abovementioned Frost shows is beautiful. The first night is a rockin ride through your mind and the second night is a sweet lulilby for your soul. Definitely add both to your to-hear list. -Murphy (12/27/2013)

SHUT UP CHRIS.... Not funny......?-AC (12/30/2013)

Yo, AC, check out the Red Rock's run of '85. Phenomenal run of shows. Plus, the beginning of the last night's show is hilarious, in an "Oh my god, why is bob weir talking" sorta way.-Murphy (01/07/2014)

10/31/85 as well. Legendary moment in USC history. South Carolina has a good vibe and this show certainly runs with it. Best moment is an imaculate LLR. Jerry just goes off on a rampage.-Murphy (01/10/2014)

Murphy

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, I will take a listen. I appreciate your recommendations.

Hey, dead fans, I asked my friend Murphy to highlight any recommendations he finds as he listens to every show in the 80's and I am sure eventually the 90's, which he finds to be amazing. He has a good ear and has thrown out some great suggestions in this post and should be acknowledged for his contributions.

Please check back on this post for any addition great shows in the 80's and beyond.

Thanks againLook forward to what you uncover

-AC (01/11/2014)

Lol, appreciate the sentament AC. And i have found another couple of gems for you. The Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center Run at the end of '85. 11/20 - 22/1985. The boys are on fire, which i assume was to make up for a less then lack luster end to what was a fine east coast fall tour. if your heart so desires to check out that tour, you won't be dissapointed, but the real gem of the fall is the convention center run.

Second to last time they played Saint -> Sailor -> Terrapin. Last Big Boy Pete, She Belongs to Me and Walkin' the Dog, both jamed out hard. The whole year has been a complete setlist change up, which after a solid 7 years of the same set arrangements is a nice alteration. Jerry's voice also gets this real raspy seasoned tone to it towards the fall/winter months of '85, which makes versions of Wharf Rat, Stella Blue, China Doll and Black Peter more profound within a set. The shows may be getting shorter, but the quality of music hasn't suffered yet. Obviously i've come accross some less then stellar shows, but none to call terrible yet.

I'll certainly keep the recomendations coming, and to all those who decide take a look... Enjoy.-Murphy (01/15/2014)

Yo, AC, check out the first six shows of the '86 East coast tour. Starts at hampton on 3/19 and the spectrum run ends on 3/25. Six really good shows with some Gratefuly historic moments, such as the return of Box of Rain, phil can't sing for shit, but the jams are sweet and the crowd blows a gasket sky high. The energy alone is worth the rest of the set. As for the Spectrum, it's Philly, what do you expect but headiness. I'll let you know how the rest of that tour sounds, but i've found that the more nostalgic shows take place on the west coast, but the save the ragers for the east coast and middle U.S. I'm currently finishing the first of the Cumberland shows, which to be honest are miniscule in comparison to the six i just mentioned. Despite the whole inevidable coma, '86 is cleanin up to be on of the best years i've heard so far. But that's just my opinion. -Murphy (01/21/2014)

Murphy,

Love the 2x post but I don't have a lot of time to comment. As you know I will take your advice on the shows you recommended.

Hey, your quote 'phil can't sing for shit' is hilarious. I also think some of Weir's songs could be put in that category even though this is absolutely 'sac-gratefuldead-ish' (come on people... sometimes you just have to track forward.... LOL). No offence Weir, I still love you (sometimes....?). Additionally, I agree GD loved to 'practice' in the west before they blew out the EAST (that's right).

Wow, you ended your last comment with quite a BOLD statement:

"Despite the whole inevidable coma, '86 is cleanin up to be on of the best years i've heard so far. But that's just my opinion.."

Sad sad sad, but he survived and CONTINUED. Anyway, with your recommendation I am going to look those show up this weekend.

By the way, If I was going to declare such a bold statement I may of rearranged the sentence to say: '86 is cleanin up to be one of the best years i've heard so far. But that's just my opinion"

and then pad your statement with "Despite the whole inevitable coma". (sorta lol with slight cringe).

HEY DEADHEADS OR DEAD FANS, Murphy is the man. His suggestions are gold. Follow this thread for future recommendations.

-AC (01/25/2014)

Even though I highlighted this in my last post, I just must again comment on your preface to your bold statement, it is just too funny (and certainly sad) but the way you threw it in there just made me laugh.

By the way here it is:"DESPITE THE WHOLE INEVITABLE COMA, '86 is cleanin up to be on of the best years i've heard so far. But that's just my opinion.."-AC (01/25/2014)

I will stand by it, even with the shorter jams, which meant shorter shows (don't think there is one over three hours in all of '86), there is just a deliberateness and maturity to their sound that shows like the one here just don't have. Shows from this era seem more rehearsed, because they were rehearsing, for the Terrapin sessions, so obviously their gonna be on point, but there is always a vibe of confusion before the explosion of "thank god that worked". This can be heard more blatantly in the early 70's and 60's. They just knew more about music and how to get what they wanted in less time and with less effort.

And as far as the coma goes, i can't blame the fat man for putting himself into a physical hell with heroine and coc. It's not like that was his intention, he just wanted to relieve stress and mental anguish. Come on, if you knew that what you were doing was just skill and knowledge coupled with an enjoyment of what you were playing, but people put you on a pedestal as some sort of god, that can be a real shitty life. no normal connections to new people outside of musicians and the Dead Family probably drove him mad, and the high was the only relief. If you listen to Jerry or even just look at his face, he get's real uncomfortable and agitated when people say he's the leader of the dead and some sort of guitar god. He just wanted to be a regular guy who happened to play the dankest music on the planet, then or now.

Just because Jerry was all screwed up and high, doesn't mean he still couldn't play. I'm guessing that most people just assume '86 has to be bad because that was when he went into a coma, but it is the exact opposite. it feels like the peak before the eventual downhill charge towards the end, and that means that '77 was only a lump on the uphill climb.

Oh, and just so this isn't only a rant about Jerry, Check out Frost Theater: 5/10 - 11/1986. Random little run and the only shows in May of '86. Only bomb was the Eyes the first night, Jerry started too fast and never really got into a groove, but the Estimated before hand was brutal. -Murphy (01/28/2014)

Murphy,

Hey, let me first say the arrangement of your previous statement was what made me laugh, not the actual foreshadowing. Second, great post, well said, you deserve a GD categorized Pulitzer. I love the fact you doubled down on your previous statement.

I have a long and growing list of shows to discover and/or rediscover, thanks to you. But hey, tomorrow is a snow day in the south and I hope to catch up on some of my GD homework.

By the way, never call JG the 'fat man' I prefer the four fingered genius. Once again thanks for the input and interesting purspective on the '86 run.

DEADHEADS: Once again, Murphy is documenting his 80's listening journey on this post and has had numerous great insights. Please review the post history for additional comments.

-AC (01/29/2014)

Avoid the '86 Summer tour, the dead are still playing well, but Bob Dylan just being there adds a weird vibe to em all. As well, Dylan sings with jerry on two songs at the 7/2/86 Rubber Bowl show and it was awful. His voice sounded like he chain smoked a whole pack in one breath before going out on stage. not one note he sang was in tune, nor was it in any way clean. There is a difference between being artfully raspy and having a shot throat. Dylan is the latter.

as for the tour itself, the first show sucked, not for the music, but because the venue had the worst acoustics in dead history. the recordings are very painful to get though, which is disappointing since it's a one set performance with a nice terrapin and Truckin' to boot. The Alpine valley (6/28 - 29/86) run is probably the best of the tour, which is worth checking out, but will not stand as firm next to my previous recommendations. The shows are good in their own right, but i just think Dylan being their brought a strange element into the crowd which effected the vibe of everyone playing. I say this because the next night (6/30/86) at Riverbend is better, but still holds the vibe. And jerry is still playing damn well considering this 3 show run started just 11 days before Jerry's diabetic coma. He's still tearing Tiger to pieces every show.

Normally, i would have thought the vibe came from the band, but after the experience difference i had at the Phish run at SPAC from 2012 - 2013 (saw both three night runs, couldn't believe it was the same band in 2013 as it was in 2012, the 2013 run was terrible) i've learned that the crowd plays a big role in the vibe of a show. This happened at other shows where the dead were playing with another major act that drew it's own large group of fans, it changes the vibe of the show, for better or worse.

So i make this recommendation with a stark warning, it won't be up to par with the rest i have made, and i blame dylan and tom petty, not personally, but as i said, their fans changed the vibe of the shows.

And p.s. - i call him the fat man with the utmost love and respect, cause he was like a guitar Buddha. Heady and Jolly, even in bad times. -Murphy (01/31/2014)

comment #200

two words...amazing show -
(01/31/2014)

Comment #201

Mike Wallace, - Thank you for your amazingly insightful comments. I feel like I've been transported back to 1977 with your wisdom. Hey guess what comes after 201.....…. (Hint: 202)

Sorta JK... Lol

-AC (02/01/2014)

Murphy,

Nice insight on the '86 summer tour. I have heard some of these shows with Bob Dylan & Petty, and you are right (based on GD standards) many of them are tarnished and/or could be considered novelties. I'am sure it was a mixed crowd and this is probably why most of the time special guest are not preannounced. It's not like GD needed Dylan to sell tickets, but I am sure the musicians thought the collaboration would produce a magical moment. It is good to hear JG was on his game during the summer. I am a little bit curious as to which one show rubbed you the wrong way with the Dylan collaboration (sorta like when you slow down to pass a horrific car crash). Oh, I am sure you already know, but Dylan comes back in 1987.

and..... The 'fat man' comments: I became a deadhead late in the game (but I caught 4 shows, only...... Damn you JG... Just a couple more year is all I wanted [and sure he also wanted]) and I always hated when deadheads would talk about his obvious physical appearance rather than his musical talent (I don't know that's just me).

-AC (02/01/2014)

The show was 7/2/86 - Rubber Bowl, Akron, OH I didn't understand why the shows sounded like they did til Bob Dylan got on stage, it was horrendous. The first tune he did was Don't Think Twice, It's Alright and the Second was Baby Blue, which was what got me. The Don't think twice wasn't bad, since it was only Dylan singing and Jerry raging, so at least you could occupy your ears with Jerry while Dylan died (he sounds like he's borderline blackout shitfaced). But then came Baby Blue, which is a tune Jerry Normally sings, and Dylan tried to. So you went from Jerry's soulful (and surprisingly clear, considering the recurring Bronchitis) voice to Dylans' raspy out of tune howl... It made me appreciate Donna's voice a whole lot more, at least she hit the right notes most of the time. The whole tune was Dylan trying to "sing" louder then Jerry and Jerry trying to give Dylan the hint that he was fucking up the tune by trying to do the lyrics, and not even remembering them all. Needless to say, it was a back and forth which ended up confusing everyone and they sorta rushed for the exit and kicked dylan off stage (probably didn't kick him off, Jerry was a rare breed of musician (Humble), but i was just happy not hearing Dylan's voice anymore).

I gotta say, i'm glad i'm not the only one who thinks that way AC, and kudos for your statement "I'm sure it was a mixed crowd and this is probably why most of the time special guest are not preannounced. It's not like GD needed Dylan to sell tickets, but I am sure the musicians thought the collaboration would produce a magical moment."The Dead were in the top five tour money bands for the 80's and even the 90's, so obviously the ticket sales weren't the reason. So i agree that this was a result of a crackpot idea that dylan would induce a "magic" moment. I can't believe after what i heard, they did it again in 1987. But either way, i'm glad someone sees the reality and isn't blinded by a hipsteristic obsession with dylan. The man can't sing, he wrote beautiful songs, but could never do em justice. It's always better to hear a dylan song done by the likes of Hendrix, The Dead, or Phish. Dylan was a good poet, but a bad musician anyway you slice it.

And i can understand the notion you have towards Jerryberry being called "the Fat Man", it was a dis back then, but people around my age (i'm 22) don't realize that and use it as a term of endearment now. Makes me wonder what other common phrases used for the dead now were started as disses to jerry and the band. -Murphy (02/01/2014)

And their return in December of 86 is amazing. Check out every show from the 15th to new years. Jerry sounds so happy to be back. Granted, there is a vibe missing from the shows that was there before the coma, it isn't anything bad, just different. Only time will tell if it was good baggage or bad that got tossed aside. Great shows either way. -Murphy (02/05/2014)

The best part of scarlet was when keith played a DIO riff.-frankie bonez (02/14/2014)

Yo AC, check out 3/31/87, second set is gold.-Murphy (02/18/2014)

4/6/1987 too. -Murphy (02/19/2014)

Murphy,

Thanks for the continuous suggestions. I have been crazy busy and have fallen a little behind, but thanks to you my list keeps growing.-AC (02/23/2014)

Yo AC< despite Dylans howling voice over every tune he does, the fact he was being backed up by The Dead made it amazing. Jerry actually plays Pedal Steel a couple of times and it's beautiful. I dare say, the six shows that dylan did with the dead were actually damn good shows.

The first on July fourth, Bob Dylan was clearly schwasted from head to toe, so Jerry and the boys got a little room to mess around inside each tune since Dylan was hardly paying any attention to where he was or what he was doing. The Dead sets themselves from each of the six nights are great and good quality shows are available at archives, with all the dylan sets intact, unlike the View from the Vault shit. The dates are 7/4, 7/10, 7/12, 7/19, 7/24, & 7/26. I highley recomend all, if for nothing else, soley the Deads' Sets. Great music all around, and two of the nights, 7/4 & 7/12 are two set shows and the other four are three setters. The Two set shows are much more interesting in my opinion, because the boys actually blend the vibes of two different sets into one and it ends up being really heady in the end. The highlight for me the whole run of shows is probably the Morning Dew -> Playin' Set opener at Giants Stadium. I could go on forever, but l;ong story short, the whole tour from Toronto on 6/30 to Anaheim on 7/26 is pure gold. You won't be disappointed. -Murphy (03/06/2014)

The First Show of the Fall East coast tour, Providence 9/7/1987... my god, best sets i've heard the whole year. THat might have been because of the chemicals in my blood at the time, but i stand by this one, it's a really tight and fun show. the rest of the run is aight, i think they popped a load too soon at the seventh, so the eighth is a little chiller and then the ninth is standard with shot moments here and there. -Murphy (03/11/2014)

One of the pictures included in the Betty Boards article in Relix shows the Barton & Buffalo reel boxes in a stack. Hey Dave, bring on the box set!-Mike Nomad (03/20/2014)

Who in their right minds would pay for a box set when amazing quality recordings exist and circulate freely. Think about it man, so many people have those two shows, it'd be a waste of money and a poor business decision on Dave Lemieux's part. I'm pretty sure i also saw somewhere where Dick Latvala said this show would never be officially released, for that reason exactly. And now this one here even has it's own place in the smithsonian.

So Dave, please hold true to Dick's wishes and DON'T release either of em. Too many shows have already been commercialized and cut up, then when heads like me wanna go get an aud tape, we can't because a couple tracks were released. The only reason Dick's picks even existed in the first place was because Archives didn't exist yet. Now the whole act of "Officially Releasing" a show is for hipsters who wanna look cool listening to the dead and show off a box.

Why would you spend hundreds of dollars on Box sets when you can get the shows for free? Seriously, I have an amazing quality matrix of Buffalo '89 that puts the "official realease" to shame, it feels like you right on the board with Healy. So don't waste your money folks, it's just a scam. Your paying for a box and some pictures. The shows are a gimmie since they're free online, ALL OF THEM!!! you just have to look. I did, and now i have ALL of them, or as many as have been recorded. Won't see me throw good money after bad, cept when i pay my taxes. lol. -Murphy (03/24/2014)

Oh, and AC, the rest of '87 was pretty standard, no stand outs or real gems to speak. If you wanna have some fun listen to the first two nights of the New Years run, they were pretty good, but the rest of the year is just meh. Now, '88 starts off rough, but by the omni show (3/24/1988) they were on. The Hampton run opener on 3/26 is also a good listen. The pain in Jerry's voice during the Knockin' encore is profoundly emotional. He sounds like he just knows that it won't last.

The sherriff knows when he begins to fade from the world and tells his wife to take his stuff, cause he can't use it no more, which is exactly why i'm so grateful there are these recordings. Jerry doesn't need the memories anymore, he's dead and gone. But we definitely need em' to stay around, which is why i'm against "Official Releases" you tell people that they have to pay for something that has been free for decades? who the hell are you to make the Dead an exclusive "pay2play" scene. Jerry would be rolling over in his grave right now, if Bob Weir didn't Throw his ash in the indian ocean and San Fran Bay. Glad i grabbed what i could before it all goes to part. God bless the real heads who still chill on Auds and love em, you know what the music is really about. -Murphy (03/24/2014)

Although, I do wish they would release DVD's of shows more often. Because, unlike audience tapes and soundboards, which are everywhere, videos are few and far between and usually terrible quality. SO officially releasing them wouldn't take away opportunities for other people to check out the dead without having to pay an admission fee.

-Murphy (04/08/2014)

Yo, AC.

'88 is pretty much shot, with the exception of the Summer shows. Most of the Spring and Fall Tours were tight and there wasn't many mistakes to speak of, but it sounded like Auto pilot. Their wasn't much to speak of in the way of truely memoerable moments. The year in it's entirety wasn't bad at all though, however it definitely would not be my first or even fifth choice of a year to listen to again. and i think i can say the same for '87, good shows, but not memorable.

As for '89, with the exception of the first three shows in Oakland, which had some rough starts and transitions, the late winter/Spring tours have been one killer after another. The shows are getting tighter every day and their is real joy in their sound. you can almost feel their laughter and happieness exude from the speakers during certain tunes. ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY PLAY CUMBERLAND!!!

As terrible a scenario as this sounds, if your ever bed ridden for a month, listen to '89 and it should fly by with a smile every minute. I can't say '89 is their best year of music, yet (i still have summer and fall tours to go through) but i can say this is definitely the happiest i've heard them since '77. and best of all it is consistant. one date that shine above the rest is the Chrisler Arena on 4/5/1989. -Murphy (04/29/2014)

The mix I listen to has Donna way down, that and it was a really good show for her helps a lot. -
(05/12/2014)

Murphy

I have been crazy busy the last several months but I just caught your last several post and will take a listen. I hope all is well and keep up the listening.-AC (06/15/2014)

Yeah, things are great AC. Just passed Brent's last and Vince's first. The MSG run of 1990 is probably the best way they could have said goodbye to Brent. Certainly Not over the top awesome, considering the new key boys were still learning their parts, but the free jams are everywhere and just blew me away. I certainly recommend listening to them. 9/14 - 20/90. Their final Europe tour the following October does leave something to be desired, but the tour is still a gem in my eyes.

The tunes the brought back in 1990 were Loose Lucy, Black Throated Wind, and DS (Full time, first popped back up in the end of '89). The revamped version of Loose Lucy really grooves, not like the '74 versions, but it still deserves an ear. I ended up having a lot of arguments with people about weather '89 and '90 were better then '72, '74 and '77 and I probably took things to an unnecessarily heated level, so if you pass one of those discussions keep that in mind.

My argument was that there can be no "best" year, but most people read that as me saying '89 was better, but I really think they kept getting tighter through 89 and '90. The '90 summer tour was also one for the ages.

Something eerie I noticed was that Brent's last show was the 10 year anniversary of Keith's untimely death. To the day. 7/23/1990. The show was transdimentional. I was having flashbacks during the GTB and Truckin'. Definitely check that out if nothing else. That is the one that is worth your time more then all I have mentioned in this post. But '90 has topped '89 in raw intensity and musical wisdom.

Great stuff.... Loving the input keep it up. Anyone new to this post should follow Murphy's journey through every GD show. His insight is exceptional (despite his age... Lol) and I have found and/or rediscovered several gems...

Keep up the good work!

Hey you should start a GD blog... Review of shows. You already have some good material.-AC (07/13/2014)

Once i'm done i'm going to. I'm gonna review each show in depth and try to release a superbly clean Matrix copy of each show as I do. As I said before, this first time around is just for fun. And btw, check out 2/21/1991 - Oakland. The second set is immensely powerful.

This show blew me away. The bombs Phil drops during the beginning of NFA will buckle your knees, even through Headphones. The vibe keeps growing in 1990 - 91.

In 1990, Bruce tried out a couple of tunes called Stander on The Mountain and Valley Road. Both great tunes in their own right, but I prefer Valley road, especially out of good ole bird song. Then in 91 Jerry trys out Ruben and Cherise, from Cats Under The Stars. They also bring back New Speedway Boogie to close the first set of '91. All in all, the 90's sound like they shaped up nicely. Still not hearing the Jerry-Zombie. Many, many people told me before I started doing this (old school heads included) that I would get sick of the Dead by the mid to late '80s. The opposite has happened. To anyone new to this groups music, I seriously recommend you look into '89 and '90. Two of the best years I've heard throughout this journey (and yes that's including '77). If '91 keeps building like I hope it does then i'll be adding a year to that.

This show is a great example of that "just exactly perfect" sound they developed while rehearsing for TERRAPIN, and I do love it. Having seen my 1st show in '82 (US Fest - and yes, AC and Murphy, there is a difference between hearing a show altered and not)I would have loved to go back in time and run away from home when I was 12.

As a fan of the 80's (I was at both the Irvine and Frost shows mentioned earlier... Check out Chula Vista 9/15/85)though... I feel that there a a few songs played then that are way better than '77 -78. I feel that both the Scar>Fire transistion, Fire, and Estimated were better in the 80's. Shakedown (NYE 84) better than 70's. Keith just got so lazy and Brent was the band's 1st real virtuoso keyboard player (and backup singer) and made those songs sparkle.

But my Fave (not best ever in the universe) Show Of All Time That I Was At came 30 years ago tomorrow 7/22/84 at Ventura... Check out that one, boys and girls... Start to finish just unbelievable. -
(07/21/2014)

Couldn't agree more about that Chula Vista Show. Especially the jam from space into U.S. Blues. Defitely a one off combo, and a killer one at that. And the Ventura show you mentioned was a monster. As far as the 80's are concerned, I've become very partial to '84 - '85. I like the short conciseness that their shows had those years as well as the return of ole school Dancin' and Cryptical. A little jealous you got to see those Irvine and Frost runs. Would trade my soul to have seen one show live. -Murphy (07/23/2014)

Also, to AC, Greensboro Coliseum - 3/31 - 4/1/1991. The second sets from both nights are extraordinary. A 23 min jazzy Eyes the first night and a Cosmic Dark Star the second. -Murphy (07/23/2014)

If anyone wants a real good taste of why the 90's DIDN'T suck, check out 6/17/91 - Giants Stadium. There are hints of DS throughout the entire show like it was the guiding light for the night, yet it wasn't played. It's a Dark Star SHow without the Dark Star and it's a brilliant performance. Especially Eyes of the World to open the First set. go download and enjoy, you would be remiss not to. -Murphy (07/31/2014)

Murphy! Email me (and anyone else can too) philrmonic64@gmail.com

We should be discussing great show that aren't Barton Hall on something other than a Barton Hall page. 8-D-
(08/12/2014)

Phil, Definitely gonna message you once i'm off work. The music of the dead is unmatched, I would trade my soul to have seen just one live show, even if it was a '95 Tour From Hell show. I can't get enough. And I decided it would be good to put all my recommendations on the Barton hall show, because everyone seems to gravitate towards it, so hopefully these recommendations reach as many people as possible. Love to show people unheard (to them) headiness, just makes me smile. The '91 Fall tour is a good example, with the exception of the third and fourth night's at MSG and Maybe, depending on your personal feelings about their more laid back relaxed feeling shows, the first night of Boston. But every other show is a masterful performance, My best recommendation so far is 9/21/91 - Boston. Bruce RAGES HIS ASS OFF!!! the 2 minutes before drums ensues is just one long solo from Bruce that while have you in stiches. And the Dark Star from the 24th is also really dank, very subtle intro from a Soulful Ship of fools. So all barton fiends should check it out, if they wanna know what more the dead can offer besides '77. So don't be afraid to venture into the wild dead yonder, you may actually like it. -Murphy (08/14/2014)

First show was November, 1970. You might be able to find me in the SYF movie. I was there four out of five nights. Brushed my teeth with tequila at Watkins Glen in '73 on Saturday morning. Barton Hall might be at least tied with the best show I've ever attended.

-
(11/01/2014)

Murphy,

1995, was not the tour from hell it was the last tour we were privileged to experience while our good friend JG was living among us. Never complain about GD's first and last tour.

Murphy, I hope you are doing well. I have been caught up with work and family. Did you ever create a blog or website?-AC (02/25/2015)

Trust me, after hearing it, i understand that. most of it was actually good, with the exception of a moment here and there. I finished going through every show on 12/30/14 and started off their last tour on a couple of doses for the last hurrah. the first two shows were incredible, even with the confusing Wharf Rat from the Giants Stadium show. plus, the encore of the Giants stadium show was Lucy, which just made things more intensely syncronistic.

I only refer to it as the tour from hell because i was under the impression that that was what people called it. With the events surrounding the tour (music not included) i can see why it's refered to that way. People died and a venue got torn apart, not that the band had anything to do with that. However, i gotta say, the last two shows at soilder field were actually really good and i can't say i didn't cry my eyes out at the start of Black Muddy River. weather that was the music or me finally accepting that my two years of bliss were finally over i'll never know, but i can say without hesitation that i didn't hear a single show from 65 to 95 that i wouldn't listen to again, that includes 7/7/86.

looking at things in the moment, i got caught up in the hype of other heads who took a more pecemistic view and said certain things that i don't nessecarily agree with anymore. As a final recomendation from '95, 3/22 - 24/95 - Charlotte, 3/26 - 30/95 - Atlanta, 5/20 & 5/21/95 - Vegas and finally 6/15/95 - Highgate, VT. Without question people should check out the last show at soilder field for the encore alone, but some may find it difficult to get through. The 90's are an equally impressive era for the dead and a few shows not withstanding, i don't think it deserves the rap it gets, but i can understand why people have the notion that it was a less then stellar time.

My friends and i are going to be taking the tunes they didn't get the chance to record from the 90's and make an album out of it. I have no intention of selling it, just using it to show people that the 90's tunes deserve just as much respect as the rest of their Song book does.

And as a final note to the endurance and dedication of Jerry... where most other artists who found themselves on the downward spiral of heroine addiction got off the road and died a few years later after dissapearing from the public, Jerry gave every last bit he had to the music and even when in all rights he looked and sounded like a walking corpse, he could still tear your face off with his guitar. The man played til he dropped and i stand by what i said before, i'd trade it all to have been able to see even a '95 show in person. Especially one of the ones i just listed. Weather it was May '77, Summer '89 or Soilder Field '95, the boys had the energy of the 60's flowing through your ears and could put on a great show. I only hope that Trey does that reputation justice when he takes Jerry's place for a few nights this July.

And AC, the website is coming. A good friend is helping me design it and i've begun making Matrix Recordings using my archive of AUD and SBD files. Each show will be posteded as a single file so people have no choice but to listen to the whole show. And the album i mentioned above will also be posted when it's done. Can't say i don't need a little break from the dead before delving back in to do this. hope everything is well and the URL will be posted here when everything is up and running. May the good vibes keep rolling and peace and love to all.

-Murphy (03/06/2015)

Murph, I hope you got a ticket to Soldier Field or San Jose... you deserve it, man. -
(04/19/2015)

Thanks man, but truthfully, i didn't even try. I think those shows should mostly be reserved for those heads who soldiered on tour for all the years the Dead were around. It's just my opinion, and i still may try and get miracled in to one of the nights in Chicago, but that experience will be like a final family reunion for all the heads still left around who know what it was like to step foot into the madness that was a Dead show.

I would definitely love to get my hands on a ticket for just one night, but with all that i got to experience on my little journey, it wouldn't bother me in the least if i just watched the live stream online. A friend of mine who is an entertainment journalist may be getting tickets for one of the Movie Theater Broadcasts.

But no matter where i end up this summer, i can already feel the good vibes growin as the warm air crawls in. When the energy, and in all respect, insanity, of those chicago shows is finally released and the run is over, that energy will carry through every person with an ear to the shows and be shared with all those around them. It's only a matter of time before all the members of the dead are gone and the children of the 60's leave the world they helped change, for better or worse, in the hands of those, like me, who are the younger generations, born from the ashes of the Dark Star that crashed on 8/9/95. Jerry will never be forgotten, but everything that begins must also end. But every end is also the beggining of something new, and i only hope the vibes keep rollin towards bigger and better things in the future. The Dead created a culture which will never die. And whether those who are a part of it know where it came from or not, they still carry that energy. Let The Good Times Roll, cause you never know when the party's gonna end. -Murphy (04/29/2015)

Hey Phil, Got my hands on both nights in Cali. Hope to see you there man.-Murphy (05/18/2015)

I will be going to the show tonight. My only Grateful Dead show I'll ever see ;-;-newfan (06/27/2015)

"Worst show I ever saw, man!"

If you look at the Highgate '95 show, that same reviewer, Dan, says it was one of the best shows he ever saw.

Either Dan is a troll or he has the strangest taste in the history of strange taste.-Will (07/02/2015)

I'm sure the energy in highgate was crazy, being that it had about 90,000 in attendance, but who knows. maybe the brown acid made it's way into Dans hands for this one.-Murphy (07/09/2015)

Right on Murph! So glad you were able to catch those shows. -
(07/30/2015)

Craziest week of my life. Got in both nights in Santa clara and even snuck onto the floor for the Dark Star Set the first night. Then dropped everything and went to chicago. Still can't compare to a Jerry show, but it was one hell of a party.-Murphy (08/25/2015)

I think calling this show over rated might be a bit much, but because of the amount of praise and notoriety this show has received (it is the only show that resides in the library of congress for crying out loud!)it is hard for it to live up to those expectations. The entirety of the show is undeniably great, but the scarlet fire is far from the best ever, imho. The Fire is terrific, but the Scarlet and the transition for me are not nearly as good as many others to follow, most notably, Cedar Falls IA in '78, New Bruinswick NJ and Salt Lake City UT both in '81 and many others. It also bears mentioning that they had really just started playing these songs together during this tour. I think it is natural that later versions were better as the band got better the more they played these songs together. Still a tremendous show, but anytime, anyone says that a show or song(s) is the best ever, it is inevitable not all will agree. -
(11/08/2015)

This show is a hoax!!! yall are all brainwashed-Albert (03/02/2016)

Come on Clarson im with Jesus Christ on this one.-
(03/02/2016)

Donna was on stage and she opened her mouth. Therefore this cannot be considered the best show. -Donna Fucks It Again (05/01/2016)

I was at this show. It was great, but what I want to tell you was how great the crowd was. No search at the door , people brought in bottles etc. And at the end of the show, no garbage cans but two huge piles of garbage at the exit as most people did not just throw their stuff anywhere, but put their garbage near the exit to make it easier for the clean up crew. Also show was not sold out, scalpers had to unload tickets for price or less. -
(07/11/2016)

Epic set list. One of my favorite tapes of all time that I was way too young to see. I did get to see a pretty stellar 30th anniversary recreation at the same spot, however...Love me some Lazy Lightning...

yes this show is fantastis but it is also overrated!!! It is not the best show with every song being the best of all time !! geez. dew though. omg

-scott (04/04/2017)

This is one great show, a real top-tier show, although there are better shows than this, its still great. Everybody calls this Dancin' In The Streets a disco performance, but its really FUNKY in a late 70's sense, in my opinion. THIS SHOW HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY RELEASED 5/5/2017 as a stand-alone show and as part of the box set, "MAY 1977: GET SHOWN THE LIGHT"-
(05/07/2017)

ONE OF THE BEST MORNING DEW EVER!-
(05/07/2017)

God bless Grateful Dead!

-
(05/08/2017)

Happy 40th 5/8/77 !!!!!-Stagger lee (05/08/2017)

Delighted to see / read so many comments on this ...

My ONLY comments are :

1) February to June 1977 GD are truly sublime ! Virtually each show.

2) Don't compare this period (circa 1976-1981) to any other !!! Why ? simply different periods, time zones, repertoires, whatever ... For MANY, 1983-1986 was horrible with Garcia raucously coked up voice and other shit ...And the "frame" between 1977 and 1989 are TOTALLY, I mean totally, DIFFERENT ! As between 1977 and say 1973, 1972 ..

Peac to y'all !RelaxJust enjoy

-
(06/30/2017)

I believe this fuck'n show is fantastic!!! Every time I listen to it something new jumps outAt me. Opinions are like a a bag of assholesVery windy and funky as hell. This show standsThe test of time, 40 years later it's still fantastic!!!-
(07/11/2017)

I WAS THERE!! Best damn show ever. Period. "Dew" brings a tear to my eye every time i hear it. Jerry was just on fire that night. you can hear it onstage and in the audience. 2nd best show was Dillon Gym at Princeton U in '71. Pig's raps on Good Lovin and Lovelight are priceless. SOLD! The Brooklyn Bridge for a buck and a quarter!-
(08/23/2017)

I never saw the Dead because I was -6 when Jerry died. However, with all of the shows I've heard, from 1967-1995, this one stands out the most. The first set is incredible, with KILLER versions of Minglewood, Jack Straw, Row Jimmy, Loser, and the best ever versions of Brown Eyed Women and Dancin' in the Streets. The second set is my personal favorite second set ever (5/26/72 and 6/26/74 are close seconds). Saying the Scarlet > Fire is amazing gives it 0.1% of the credit it's due. There are better Estimated Prophets in '77 (5/5 in New Haven is my favorite), but this one still kills. Then the St. Stephen > NFA > St. Stephen > Dew is possibly the best 45 mins. the Grateful Dead ever played. And the Sat. Night is the cherry on top to this perfect show. Highly recomend!-Anonymous (04/04/2018)

Unreal dancing in the street. Jerry at his best.-Kdead (09/16/2018)

any dead show that includes the chick doesn't even warrant further comment-
(01/20/2019)

Me and a couple of friends had been following the band on this tour since the Spectrum shows in Philadelphia. Barton Hall way basically a glorified gymnasium. About the size of an indoor basketball court. No seating. After the show we went back to the rear entrance and waited for them to come out. A light snowfall was swirling around, big billowing flakes blazed like white fireflies as they caught the parking lot lights. Two black stretch limos were idling by the door. There weren't any other fans around, just some crew and university officials.

The rear doors swung open and they all tumbled out. Each one of them was carrying a black attaché case. The band had been running their own label for awhile by now and we'd bought most of our tickets for this tour mail-order through the Grateful Dead office in San Francisco. These were not the custom made tickets that would be the norm about five years later. Scalping had already become a very real problem and Dead tickets were some of the earliest concerts targeted by those creeps. The band's initial response was to contract for blocks of tickets for each show they could get them for on a tour. My friends and I had all been on the Dead's mailing list for years at this point. Bulk ticket distributors seldom sold seats for the smaller, more obscure venues. The Dead office didn't mark up the prices either. None of us were speaking up as they exited so I did:“We've got first row for Buffalo tomorrow night!" I blurted out to none of them in particular as I held them up.“Oh yeah? Lemme see them" Phil said.I handed all four to him. Bill, Keith and Donna had gotten into one of the stretches and left. Looking them over, he asked:“Did you get these from our office?" “Yeah, we did. Mail order" I responded.Phil had handed a couple of them around to Jerry and Bob. Commenting to the others, Jerry remarked:“Well at least something's working"They all chuckled.I told them what a great show this night was and, for some reason repeated that the tickets that they were holding are for the first row in Buffalo tomorrow night.Bobby said:“Let me see all those" and he gathered them up.Jerry and Phil said goodbye and piled into the limo. Bobby slid in behind them, closed the door and they started to speed off, with our tickets! We ran after them yelling for them to stop. After a few yards, the limo stopped and the rear window dropped down as we caught up. We could hear them laughing riotously as Bobby's arm emerged holding the tickets, splayed out like a hand of cards. “See you tomorrow" he said though his laughter.When they took the next night at the War Memorial, Bobby and Jerry walked over to the lip of the stage, spotted us in our seats and waived. They kinda chuckled too cause we were doing balloons full of whippets. Bobby walked over to Phil and pointed us out. He looked over and down at us, smiled and waved too.-
(02/05/2019)

Great show listen to it a lot but 74 was the best for jamming. Listen to any Eyes-Ray (05/08/2019)